tourist visa to bangkok

The Thailand Tourist Visa Guide (Single & Multiple Entry)

The majority of foreign nationals are able to enter Thailand on a visa exemption stamp.

This means that when you enter Thailand you are given a stamp at the immigration desk that allows you to stay in the country for 30 days.

Okay, so now you're clear on how long you can stay when you arrive without a visa, what if you want to stay for 6 weeks, or 2 even months?

In this case, you can apply for a Tourist Visa before you travel.

In this FAQ guide, I'll answer all common queries regarding the Thailand Tourist Visa, both single and multiple entry.

1. Where can I get a Tourist Visa?

A Tourist Visa can be obtained from a Thai embassy or consulate in your home country, or a country outside of Thailand, if you live abroad or are already traveling.

You can also apply via the E-Visa online system. Indeed, some embassies may no longer accept applications for Tourist Visas and instead require you to apply online.

The E-Visa is delivered via email. You can then print it out and present it to immigration on arrival.

What different types of tourist visa are there?

A. single entry.

The Single Entry Tourist Visa is valid for 3 months from its date of issue. It allows a single stay of a maximum of 60 days.

B. Multiple entry

The Multiple Entry Tourist Visa is valid for 6 months from its date of issue.

It allows an unlimited number of entries within the 6-month validity of the visa. Each entry allows a maximum stay of 60 days.

For example, if you leave Thailand on the 59th day of your stay and re-enter the country a day later, you will be stamped in for a further 60 days.

What documents do I need to get the Tourist Visa?

The requirements may vary slightly between country, but this is usually what's required from your local embassy.

• A completed visa application form with two recent passport type photos attached. The form can be downloaded from your local Thai embassy website.
• Your passport must have a minimum 6 months remaining validity, and at least two blank pages – this is so your visa can be added to the passport, and for entry/exit stamps when entering and leaving Thailand.
• If you reside in a country but are not a citizen of that country, then you will be required to show a visa or residence card that permits you to stay. You will also be required to show evidence of where you live, by way of utility bill, bank account statement, or driving license.
• Two recent passport size photographs. You can get these done at a photo booth (in a mall or store) or at some print services shops.
• Confirmation of travel (flight tickets).
• Proof of accommodation in Thailand: this can be a copy of your hotel booking or a letter from the family or friend you are staying with.
• Copy of bank statement to show proof of earnings. This requirement will differ between countries, and differs for the single and multiple entry visas. For example, for a Single Entry Tourist Visa from a US Thai embassy, you will need a copy of your bank statement showing $700 per person and $1,500 per family. For a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa, you will need a copy of your bank statement for the last 6 months showing a minimum balance of $7,000 (every month).

Thailand's E-Visa System

If you are applying online through the E-Visa system, you will require the following documentation:

• Passport or travel document with a validity of not less than 6 months.
• Photograph taken within the past six months.
• Evidence of travel to Thailand (air ticket paid in full).
• Evidence of adequate finance (20,000 Baht per person and 40,000 Baht per family).

Please note that you are not required to submit any supporting documents in person at a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate after completing the E-Visa application. Once approved, a confirmation e-mail will be sent through and you can  print a copy of the confirmation e-mail to present to airline and Thai Immigration officials.

You can apply online here: https://www.thaievisa.go.th

Historically, Thailand's online systems have always fallen way short of expectations, with browser compatibility issues, bugs, broken links, etc., but the new visa system is working pretty well.

For those who deem themselves digitally challenged, there is a comprehensive user manual. This manual is also available as a series of how-to videos, which are very helpful. You can find the manual here.

How much does a Thai Tourist Visa cost?

The cost varies between country, but here is the cost for the US and UK:

• US: Single – $40. Multiple Entry – $200
• UK: Single – £30. Multiple Entry – £150

How long does it take to process a Tourist Visa?

If you attend the Thai embassy in person, the process will take around 5 working days. If you apply by mail, the process will take a minimum of 15 days.

Applying online will take 6-10 working days.

This is a general guideline and will differ between countries, and may be longer or shorter depending on how busy the embassy/consulate is.

I would personally allow 2 weeks if applying in person or online, and 3 weeks if applying by mail. This will ensure you get your visa before your flight date.

When is my Tourist Visa valid from?

The Single Entry Tourist Visa is valid 3 months from date of issue, and the Multiple Entry Tourist Visa is valid for 6 months from date of issue.

When you enter Thailand, you will be stamped in for 60 days.

Note: The expiry date of the visa shows on the visa sticker as ‘ENTER BEFORE'. When you enter Thailand, you will receive a rectangular stamp in your passport stating your date of entry and the ‘ADMITTED UNTIL' date. This date will be exactly 60 days after your date of entry

What happens if I leave Thailand before my 60-day stay is up?

If you leave prior to your 60-day stay ending, the remaining days will be forfeited.

If you think you will want to leave Thailand and re-enter, you should get a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa.

The Multiple Entry Tourist Visa is valid for 6 months from date of issue. You are allowed unlimited entries within the 6-month period of the visa. If you exit Thailand, as long as you re-enter before the visa expires, you will be stamped in for a further 60 days.

Can I extend my visa inside Thailand?

For those who want to extend their stay in Thailand, you can extend the 60-day Single Entry Tourist Visa by 30 days at a local Immigration Office. The fee for the extension is 1,900 Baht.

Under the Multiple Entry Visa, you can extend one of the 60-day stays by a further 30 days. The cost is the same.

Under the Multiple Entry Tourist Visa, by saving the 30-day extension for your final entry, you can accumulate almost 9 month's stay in Thailand.

Can I cancel my visa and get a refund?

No. The visa fee is non-refundable.

Can't I just do border runs instead of getting a Tourist Visa?

Because you are granted 30 days stay on arrival in Thailand, in theory you could just leave over a land border after 30 days and return the same day, activating a further 30 day's stay.

This is known as a border run . People used to stay in Thailand for years just going back and forth over the border.

However, the current rule is that if you enter Thailand over land without a visa, you are allowed a maximum of two 30-day entries within any rolling 12-month period.

With a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa, you can go in an out as many times as you want within the validity of the visa.

Did I miss anything? Got a question? Leave it below.

Tips to Start Planning Your Trip Now:

Book your accommodation.

Best hotel rates are found at Agoda and Hotels.com .

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. I never travel without it. I’ve been using SafetyWing for years. You should too.

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Last Updated on January 17, 2024

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Visa Traveler

Exploring the world one country at a time

Thailand Visa on Arrival (VOA) in 2023: A complete guide

Updated: September 6, 2023

Thailand is the most popular tourist destination in South East Asia. Partially due to the hassle-free Thailand Visa on Arrival, which is available to 18 nationalities including India, China and Mexico. The availability of plenty of budget airlines also makes Thailand an attractive and budget-friendly holiday destination.

I have applied for Thailand Visa on Arrival several times at various international airports and land borders. I have researched, analyzed and documented every detail of it. This complete guide gives you all the information you need for Thailand Visa on Arrival including my personal experience. So without further ado, let’s get started.

Table of Contents

Why you must visit thailand.

• Easy tourist visa and Visa on Arrival (VOA): Hassle-free Thailand tourist visa and Visa on Arrival. Visa on Arrival (VOA) is available to 18 nationalities including India, China and Mexico.
• Plenty of budget airlines: Thailand is a highly operated route by many budget airlines such as AirAsia, Cebu Pacific, Lion Air, Scoot, IndiGo, SpiceJet, etc.
• Budget-friendly destination: Thailand is a budget-friendly destination. Plenty of budget hotels, inexpensive street food and DIY tours.
• Fascinating history and culture: Thailand boasts centuries-old temples, historic UNESCO sites, lavish royal buildings and deep-rooted culture.
• Mouthwatering cuisine: Thai cuisine is internationally renowned for its unique flavors and vibrant colors. Where is the best place to try Thai food other than Thailand itself?
• Irresistible natural beauty: Thailand boasts beautiful islands, white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and lush green vegetation.

Thailand Visa on Arrival eligible countries

The following 18 countries are eligible for Thailand Visa on Arrival.

• Papua New Guinea
• Saudi Arabia

Thailand Visa on Arrival Requirements

• Must hold a passport from one of the 18 Visa on Arrival (VOA) eligible countries
• Your passport must be valid for at least 30 days from the day of arrival in Thailand
• Must have at least one blank page in the passport
• The duration of the visit must be no longer than 15 days including the day of arrival and departure
• Must have proof of confirmed return flight ticket within 15 days of arrival in Thailand
• Must have proof of confirmed accommodation that is verifiable
• Must have proof of funds equal to 10,000 THB for individuals or 20,000 THB for families

IMPORTANT Thailand offered a 30-day Visa on Arrival from 01 Oct 2022 which ended on 31 March 2023. From 01 April 2023, the Visa on Arrival is reverted back to 15 days.

Thailand Visa on Arrival Restrictions

• Visa on Arrival is SINGLE entry only
• Visa on Arrival extension is NOT allowed

Where to get Thailand Visa on Arrival

You can get Visa on Arrival (VOA) at all international airports in Thailand, seaports in Thailand and checkpoints at the land borders of Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and Malaysia.

International Airports in Thailand

Visa on Arrival is available at 13 international airports in Thailand. These airports and their cities are listed below from North to South.

• Chiang Rai: Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai International Airport
• * Chiang Mai: Chiang Mai International Airport
• Sukhothai: Sukhothai International Airport
• * Bangkok: Suvarnabhumi International Airport
• * Bangkok: Don Mueang International Airport
• Pattaya: U-Tapao Rayong Pattaya International Airport
• Hua Hin: Hua Hin Airport
• Surat Thani: Surat Thani Airport
• Koh Samui: Samui Airport
• * Phuket: Phuket International Airport
• Krabi: Krabi Airport
• Trang: Trang Airport
• Songkhla: Songkhla Airport

* popular international airports for travelers

Seaports in Thailand

Visa on Arrival is available at 10 seaports in Thailand. These seaports and their nearest cities from North to South are listed below.

• Bangkok: Bangkok Port (this port is on Chao Phraya River)
• Bangkok: Samut Prakan (this port is on Chao Phraya River)
• Chonburi/Pattaya: Sri Racha Harbour
• Pattaya/Rayong: Sattahip Port
• Rayong: Map Ta Phut Port
• Koh Samui: Samui Port
• Phuket: Phuket Port
• Krabi: Krabi Port
• Songkhla: Songkhla Port
• Satun: Satun Port

Checkpoints at the Laos-Thailand land border

Visa on Arrival is available at 9 checkpoints at the land border of Lao and Thailand. These checkpoints and their border towns on the Laos side and Thailand sides are below, listed from North to South.

• Ton Pheung – Chiang Saen (requires crossing the Mekong River by boat)
• * Huay Xai – Chiang Khong (ideal if coming from Luang Namtha/Luang Prabang and heading to Chiang Rai/Chiang Mai)
• Muang Ngeun – Huay Kon
• Nam Heuang – Tha Li
• * Thanaleng – Nong Khai (ideal if coming from Vientiane and heading to Bangkok)
• Paksan – Bueng Kan (requires crossing the Mekong River by boat)
• Thakhek – Nakhon Phanom (requires crossing the Mekong River by boat)
• Savannakhet – Mukdahan
• * Vang Tao – Chong Mek (ideal if coming from Pakse and heading towards Bangkok)

* popular Loas-Thailand border crossing for travelers

Checkpoints at the Cambodia-Thailand land border

Visa on Arrival is available at 4 checkpoints at the border of Cambodia and Thailand. These checkpoints and their border towns on the Cambodia side and Thailand sides are below, listed from East to West.

• Anlong Veng – Chong Sa Ngam
• * Poi pet – Aranyaprathet (ideal if coming from Phnom Penh/Siem Reap and heading to Bangkok/Chiang Mai)
• Phsar Prum – Banpuggard
• Koh Kong – Had Lek (ideal if coming from Sihanoukville and heading to Koh Chang)

* popular Cambodia-Thailand border crossing for travelers

Checkpoints at the Myanmar-Thailand land border

Visa on Arrival is available at 3 checkpoints at the border of Myanmar and Thailand. These checkpoints and their border towns on the Myanmar side and Thailand sides are below, listed from North to South.

• Tachileik – Mae Sai (ideal if heading to Chiang Rai)
• * Myawaddy – Mae Sot (ideal if coming from Yangon/Hpa-An and heading to Chiang Mai/Bangkok)
• Htee Kee – Phu Nam Ron (ideal if heading to Kanchanaburi/Bangkok)

* popular Myanmar-Thailand border crossing for travelers

Checkpoints at the Malaysia-Thailand land border

Visa on Arrival is available at 8 checkpoints at the border of Malaysia and Thailand. These checkpoints and their border towns on Malaysia’s side and Thailand’s side are below, listed from West to East.

• Wang Kelian – Wang Prachan
• Padang Besar – Padang Besar
• * Bukit Kayu Hitam – Sadao (ideal if coming from Penang and heading towards Krabi/Phuket)
• Kota Putra Durian Burung – Prakop
• Bukit Berapit – Betong
• Bukit Bunga – Buketa
• Rantau Panjang – Su-ngai Kolok (ideal if coming from Perhentian island and heading towards Krabi/Phuket)
• Pengkalan Kubor – Tak Bai (requires crossing Golok River by ferry)

* popular Malaysia-Thailand border crossing for travelers

Visa on Arrival fee

Thailand Visa on Arrival fee is 2,000 THB paid in Thai Baht (THB) only. On most occasions, you will be forced to pay an additional 200 THB as an express fee for immediate visa processing.

ATMs are not available at the Visa on Arrival sections in international airports or land borders. Carry enough THB or major currency such as USD, GBP or EUR to exchange. Currency exchanges are available though.

Documents required

The following are the required documents for Thailand Visa on Arrival.

• Original passport
• One passport-size photo (4×6 cm)
• Completed Thailand Visa on Arrival application form
• Hotel or hostel booking confirmation
• Return/onward flight ticket (within 15 days from the date of arrival in Thailand)
• Visa fee in cash in Thai Baht (THB) only
• Proof of funds (10,000 THB cash for individuals and 20,000 THB cash for families or valid ATM/credit cards)

Let’s go over each of these documents in detail.

01. Original Passport

You must present your original passport.

Your passport must be valid for at least 30 days from the date of arrival in Thailand. Otherwise, you may not be allowed to board the flight to Thailand or you may be refused Visa on Arrival at the port of entry.

02. One passport-size photo

You must have 1 passport-size photo.

Thailand Visa on Arrival photo size is 4×6 cm. The photo must be the latest, preferably taken within the last 6 months.

Digital photo booths are available at the Visa on Arrival sections at international airports in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket. If you forgot to bring a passport-size photo, for a small fee, you can get digital passport-size photos using these booths.

IMPORTANT If arriving by land, you MUST have TWO passport-sized photos. No digital photo booths are available at land borders.

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE Thailand Visa on Arrival photo size is 4×6 cm, but it’s not strictly implemented. You can use other sizes as well. I have used 2.5×2.5cm and 5x5cm on various occasions and I was fine.

03. Thailand Visa on Arrival application form

You must present a completed Thailand Visa on Arrival application form.

Download the PDF version of the Thailand Visa on Arrival application form from the Thai Immigration website. Print it on an A4 or US letter-size sheet of paper. Fill out the application form.

It is not mandatory, but if you can, paste or staple the photo in the “Photograph” area of the application form. If not, just hand over the photo along with the application form to the officer at the Visa on Arrival counter. They will staple it for you.

NOTE Do not worry if you cannot print your application form. Plenty of application forms are available at the Visa on Arrival counters. You can grab and complete the form at the Visa on Arrival counter at the airport or land border.

How to fill Thailand Visa on Arrival form

Below is the information you need to fill in your Visa on Arrival application form.

• Family Name [ Comment: Write your “Surname” as it appears in your passport]
• First Name [ Comment: Write your “First” or “Given” name from your passport]
• Middle Name [ Comment: Write your middle name if you have one]
• Nationality [ Comment: Write your nationality]
• Passport or traveling document no. [ Comment: Write your passport number]
• Date and place of issue [ Comment: Write the date of issue and place of issue of your passport]
• Date of birth [ Comment: Write your date of birth as it appears in your passport in DD-MM-YYYY format]
• Expiry date [ Comment: Write the expiry date of your passport in DD-MM-YYYY format]
• Flight no. [ Comment: If you have arrived by flight, write your flight number. If by bus or train, write the bus or train number]
• Occupation [ Comment: Write your occupation]
• Permanent address [ Comment: Write your full address in your country]
• Address in Thailand [ Comment: Write the address of the hotel/hostel or Airbnb where you will be staying in Thailand]
• Name and address of person(s) of reference in Thailand [ Comment: Write the name and address of the hotel, hostel or Airbnb where you will be staying in Thailand]
• If accompanied by minor children traveling on the same passport, please give names, dates and places of birth. [ Comment: Write the necessary information only if you have minor children traveling with you and they do not have their own passports]
• Signature [ Comment: Sign the form]
• Date [ Comment: Put the date on which you will arrive in Thailand]

03a. Arrival/Departure card (not required anymore)

An arrival/departure card is not required anymore. But if you were given one and asked to fill it out, below are the instructions.

How to fill Thailand Arrival/Departure card

Arrival Card (front)

• Passport No. [ Comment: Write your passport number]
• Date of Birth (DD-MM-YYYY) [ Comment: Write your date of birth as it appears in your passport]
• Flight No./Vehicle No. [ Comment: If you have arrived by flight, write your flight number. If by bus or train, write the bus or train number]
• Visa No. [ Comment: Leave this blank. This is for those who already have a visa from the consulate]
• Country Where You Boarded [ Comment: Write the name of the country where you boarded the flight to Thailand]
• Purpose of Visit [ Comment: Write “Holiday”. If transiting, write “Transit”]
• Length of Stay [ Comment: Write the number of days you will be staying in Thailand. Remember, the maximum is 15 days for Visa on Arrival including the days of arrival and departure]
• Residence [ Comment: Write the house number or street address in the country where you live]
• Residence City [ Comment: Write the name of the city in your country where you live]
• Residence State [ Comment: Write the name of the state in your country where you live]
• Residence Country [ Comment: Write the name of the country where you live]
• Address in Thailand [ Comment: Write the address of your hotel/hostel or Airbnb where you will be staying]
• Telephone [ Comment: Write your phone number in your country]
• Email [ Comment: Write your email address]

Arrival Card (back)

• Youth Hostel
• Guest House
• Friend’s House
• Next city/port of disembarkation [ Comment: write the next city in Thailand you will be traveling to. Ex: If you are arriving in Bangkok and will be heading to Phuket after a few days, write “Phuket”]
• Medical & Wellness
• Less than 20,000 US$
• 20,001 – 60,000 US$
• More than 60,000 US$

Departure Card (front)

• First and Middle Name [ Comment: Write your “First” or “Given” name along with your “Middle” name from your passport]
• Flight No./Vehicle No. [ Comment: Write the flight number by which you will be leaving Thailand]

Departure Card (back)

• Nothing to fill here

04. Hotel booking confirmation

You must have a print of your hotel or hostel booking confirmation(s). There are many hotels or hostels in Bangkok . Book at least a few nights to start with.

IMPORTANT Your hotel or hostel bookings must be for your entire stay or at least for the first 5 nights. I have seen many travelers being turned down at the Visa on Arrival counters as they hold hotel bookings only for the first night.

05. Return/onward flight ticket

You must have a print of your return/onward flight ticket.

Your return/onward flight ticket must be within 15 days from the date of arrival in Thailand.

For example, if you are arriving in Thailand on 01 January, your return/onward flight must be before or on 15 January. A flight on 16 January or after is not accepted.

IMPORTANT Your return/onward ticket must be within 15 days from the date of arrival in Thailand. If it is over 15 days, your Visa on Arrival will be refused. You will be asked to book another flight ticket and come back. Booking a flight ticket at the airport or land border is difficult due to the limited or nonavailability of the Internet.

SUPER IMPORTANT Bus/train/boat/ferry tickets are NOT accepted as proof of onward travel for Thailand Visa on Arrival. Your proof of return or onward travel MUST be a “flight ticket”. If you plan to travel to a neighboring country such as Laos, Cambodia or Myanmar by bus, you must still hold a return/onward “flight” ticket for your Thailand Visa on Arrival. In such cases, get a dummy onward ticket for $14.

06. Visa fee in cash

You must have 2,000 THB in cash for your Thailand Visa on Arrival fee.

Apart from the 2,000 THB visa fee, you may be forced to pay an additional 200 THB as an “express fee” for the fast processing of your VOA application. This is not mandatory but sometimes you will not have a choice but to pay.

If you don’t have Thai Baht (THB) on you, you can exchange currencies such as USD, CNY or INR at the currency exchanges near Visa on Arrival sections in international airports.

IMPORTANT ATMs are not available at the Visa on Arrival sections in international airports or land borders. Carry enough THB or major currency such as USD, GBP or EUR.

07. Proof of funds

You must have 10,000 THB cash for individuals or 20,000 THB cash for families.

You can also carry the equivalent amount in any major currency or valid ATM/credit cards.

How to get Thailand Visa on Arrival at Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) in Bangkok

STEP 1: Locate Visa on Arrival section

• When you arrive at the airport, follow the signs and continue walking towards “Immigration”.
• As you get closer to “Immigration”, you will see signs for “Visa on Arrival”. Keep walking towards “Visa on Arrival”.
• When you get much closer to the “Visa on Arrival” section, you will see currency exchanges. If you don’t have THB on you, you can exchange your cash here.
• When you arrive at the “Visa on Arrival” section, you will see a desk where you can grab Visa on Arrival forms and arrival/departure cards.
• If you don’t have a completed Visa on Arrival form, grab one here and fill it out.
• After that, walk into the Visa on Arrival section. You will see 4 counters for Visa on Arrival and one “fast service” counter.
• Depending on the time of the day and the number of open counters, the lines can be long or short. Expect to wait at least an hour if the lines are long.
• If you can’t wait, you can get your Visa on Arrival in just a few minutes at the “fast service” counter for an additional fee of 200 THB.

STEP 2: Apply for Visa on Arrival

• Stand in the line. When your turn comes, hand over your passport and documents to the visa officer.
• The visa officer will evaluate your documents. The visa officer will ask you for any additional information if something is unclear or missing.
• You will be given a token with a number on it.

STEP 3: Pick up your passport

• Leave the counter and wait at the waiting area for passport pickup.
• Your token number will be called when your passport is ready for pickup.
• Pick up your passport and verify the details on your Thailand visa.

STEP 4: Go through immigration and customs

• Go to immigration and customs. Stand in line and wait for your turn.
• When your turn comes, hand over your passport and arrival/departure card to the immigration officer.
• The immigration officer will take your picture and fingerprints (Right hand 4 fingers, left hand 4 fingers and two thumbs).
• The immigration officer will stamp your passport, keep the arrival card and return your passport and departure card.
• Verify the entry stamp and exit date in your passport. If you see any errors, let the immigration officer know right away.
• Head to the baggage claim to get your check-in bags (if you have any)

WHAT HAPPENS TO YOUR BAGS IF YOU ARE STUCK AT “VISA ON ARRIVAL” COUNTER FOR TOO LONG? Nothing. Your bags will remain at the baggage claim area until you go and pick them up. Even if you have to wait 1-2 hours at the Visa on Arrival, your bags will still remain at the baggage claim area and no one will take them. If your bags are not on the belt, they will be right next to the belt.

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE I have entered Thailand via BKK airport twice. The first time, the Thailand Visa on Arrival process took about 20 minutes and the second time it took about 1 hour.

How to get Thailand Visa on Arrival at Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) in Bangkok

• As you get closer to “Immigration”, you will see signs for “Visa on Arrival”. Keep walking towards “Visa on Arrival”
• When you arrive at the “Visa on Arrival” section, you will see currency exchanges. If you don’t have THB on you, you can exchange your cash here.
• At the “Visa on Arrival” section, there is a desk where you can grab Visa on Arrival forms and arrival/departure cards.

STEP 2: Document check

• While you fill out your form or arrive at the VOA section, you’ll be approached by VOA staff for a document check.
• If no one approaches you, simply ask any VOA staff and they will check your documents. VOA staff are dressed in kakhi color uniforms.
• The officer will evaluate your documents, arrange them in order and direct you to the VOA counter

STEP 3: Apply for Visa on Arrival

• When you present your documents at the VOA counter, the visa officer will stamp the visa and return your passport.
• Verify the details on your visa immediately.
• Head over to the immigration and customs. Stand in line and wait for your turn.
• The immigration officer will take your picture and fingerprints (Right hand 4 fingers).
• The immigration officer will stamp your passport
• Verify the entry stamp and exit date in your passport immediately. If you see any errors, let the immigration officer know right away.
• Walkout and claim your baggage (if you have any check-in baggage)

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE I entered Thailand via DMK airport in 2018 and also in Dec 2022. The VOA process is quite streamlined in DMK airport now. I got my VOA in Dec 2022 in just 5 minutes.

How to get Thailand Visa on Arrival at Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) in Chiang Mai

• When you arrive at the “Visa on Arrival” section, you will see several counters for Visa on Arrival.
• If you haven’t completed your Visa on Arrival form yet, grab one here and fill it out.
• Stand in the line. When your turn comes, hand over your documents to the visa officer.
• The visa officer will stamp the visa and return your passport.
• Verify the details on your Thailand visa immediately.

STEP 3: Go through immigration and customs

• The immigration officer will take your picture and fingerprints.

How to get Thailand Visa on Arrival at Phuket International Airport (HKT) in Phuket

• Go to immigration and customs. Stand in the line and wait for your turn.

How to get Thailand Visa on Arrival at Huay Xai – Chiang Khong (Loas-Thailand) land border

• When your bus arrives at the checkpoint, get off and walk with everyone towards the immigration.
• You will see a huge entrance for immigration. You will see two other entrances on each side of the immigration. On the right side is “Visa on Arrival” and on the left is “Administration”.
• Go into the “Administration” area first. Let the officer know that you want to apply for Visa on Arrival.
• Grab a Visa on Arrival form and arrival/departure card. Fill both of them.
• Hand over your documents and 2 photos.
• You will be taken to the Visa on Arrival section.
• An officer will process your visa and return your passport.
• The immigration officer will take your picture and fingerprints. Right hand 4 fingers only.
• Walk to the baggage scanning area. Scan your bags if asked, otherwise, just walk out.
• Board your bus and head to Chiang Rai/Chiang Mai.

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE I have entered Thailand via Huay Xai – Chiang Khong (Loas-Thailand) land border only once. The entire Thailand Visa on Arrival process took about 15 minutes. I was asked to pay an additional 200 THB for my Visa on Arrival. Probably a bribe. I didn’t have the time to discuss or argue as my bus was waiting for me. Make sure to keep some extra Thai Baht just in case.

IMPORTANT You need your departure card to exit Thailand. Keep your departure card in a safe place until you leave Thailand.

WHAT IF YOU LOSE YOUR DEPARTURE CARD? Do not worry. You can get a new arrival/departure card at the exit passport control. Just fill in a new one and handover with your passport. There are no fines or penalties for losing your original departure card.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

Should I get Thailand Visa on Arrival or in advance?

You should get Thailand Visa on Arrival if your trip is 15 days or less. Thailand Visa on Arrival requirements are quite liberal and the process is quite simple. On the other hand, you should get your Thailand Visa in advance if your trip is more than 15 days or if your purpose of travel is other than tourism or transit.

What is the minimum passport validity for Thailand Visa on Arrival?

The minimum passport validity for Thailand Visa on Arrival is 30 days. Your passport must be valid for at least 30 days from the day of arrival in Thailand. Also, you must have at least one blank page in your passport.

Can Thailand Visa on Arrival be rejected?

Yes. Thailand Visa on Arrival is also a “visa” and can be rejected if you fail to meet visa requirements, fail to follow the visa rules or lack necessary documentation.

What do I do if my Thailand Visa on Arrival is rejected?

In most instances, Thailand Visa on Arrival is rejected for the below two reasons.

01. You do not have a hotel reservation or your hotel reservation is only for a few nights 02. You do not have a return flight ticket or your return flight ticket is not within 15 days of arrival

In such instances, you will be asked to book your hotel/flight and come back to the Visa on Arrival counter. Luckily most international airports and land borders have either free WiFi or business centers. You can quickly find WiFi or a business center and book your hotel/flight. Then go back to the Visa on Arrival section and submit your new documents.

In most instances, you do not need to print these documents. You can just show them on your phone and you will be fine.

Is Thailand Visa on Arrival multiple entry?

No. Thailand Visa on Arrival is SINGLE entry only. If you leave Thailand and re-enter, you must get Visa on Arrival again.

Can I extend my Thailand Visa on Arrival?

No. Thailand Visa on Arrival extension is not allowed. Thailand Visa on Arrival is valid for 15 days only and you must leave Thailand before your Visa on Arrival expires.

Thailand is the most popular tourist destination in South East Asia. Partially due to the hassle-free Thailand Visa on Arrival option. The requirements are simple and documentation is minimal. Currently available to 18 nationalities including India, China and Mexico.

That’s it, folks. Ask any questions you have and share your experience in the comments below. I will do my best to answer your questions.

WRITTEN BY THIRUMAL MOTATI

Thirumal Motati is an expert in tourist visa matters. He has been traveling the world on tourist visas for more than a decade. With his expertise, he has obtained several tourist visas, including the most strenuous ones such as the US, UK, Canada, and Schengen, some of which were granted multiple times. He has also set foot inside US consulates on numerous occasions. Mr. Motati has uncovered the secrets to successful visa applications. His guidance has enabled countless individuals to obtain their visas and fulfill their travel dreams. His statements have been mentioned in publications like Yahoo, BBC, The Hindu, and Travel Zoo.

PLAN YOUR TRAVEL WITH VISA TRAVELER

I highly recommend using these websites to plan your trip. I use these websites myself to apply for my visas, book my flights and hotels and purchase my travel insurance.

01. Apply for your visa

Get a verifiable flight itinerary for your visa application from DummyTicket247 . DummyTicket247 is a flight search engine to search and book flight itineraries for visas instantly. These flight itineraries are guaranteed to be valid for 2 weeks and work for all visa applications.

02. Book your fight

Find the cheapest flight tickets using Skyscanner . Skyscanner includes all budget airlines and you are guaranteed to find the cheapest flight to your destination.

03. Book your hotel

Book your hotel from Booking.com . Booking.com has pretty much every hotel, hostel and guesthouse from every destination.

04. Get your onward ticket

If traveling on a one-way ticket, use BestOnwardTicket to get proof of onward ticket for just $12, valid for 48 hours.

05. Purchase your insurance

Purchase travel medical insurance for your trip from SafetyWing . Insurance from SafetyWing covers COVID-19 and also comes with a visa letter which you can use for your visas.

Need more? Check out my travel resources page  for the best websites to plan your trip.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER We are not affiliated with immigration, embassies or governments of any country. The content in this article is for educational and general informational purposes only, and shall not be understood or construed as, visa, immigration or legal advice. Your use of information provided in this article is solely at your own risk and you expressly agree not to rely upon any information contained in this article as a substitute for professional visa or immigration advice. Under no circumstance shall be held liable or responsible for any errors or omissions in this article or for any damage you may suffer in respect to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the information in this article. Please refer to our full disclaimer for further information.

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please refer to our full disclosure for further information.

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What You Need to Know About Bangkok Visas

BY Michelle van Praag

Our Best Selling Tour

I’m sure you’ve heard it said before but there is something quite special about Bangkok at night; let our Bangkok By Night: The Ultimate Experience show you...

Thailand covid Entry Requirements

According to the latest information travelers are no longer required to have a Thailand Pass Registration (which was the case earlier this year due to covid regulations) and you will only be required to show proof of vaccination (2 jabs, booster is not obligated at the time of writing this). 

What is a tourist visa?

A tourist visa is a stamp or document that has been issued by a Thai embassy or consulate and stamped on your passport upon arrival at the airport in Thailand. A well made passport holder will help to keep your passport and documents organized and readily available. There are certain countries that made agreements with the government of Thailand so their citizens can benefit from the visa exemption when entering Thailand as tourists. These tourists are allowed to stay in Thailand for a limited amount of time, without the need to apply for a tourist visa from their local Thai Embassy.

Do I need a visa to enter Bangkok?

This will depend on your nationality and the purpose of your visit (work purpose or tourist purpose).

What kind of visa do I need to enter Bangkok?

As we are a travel blog, we assume you're a tourist and therefore looking for information on tourist visas. If you are looking to stay long term, need a business visa or more particular visas, we recommend contacting your local Thai embassy. So if you are visiting Bangkok as a tourist , these are your two main options: visa on arrival (VOA) and visa exempt entry.

       1.VISA EXEMPT ENTRY

The visa exemption rule allows tourists from 64 countries to enter Bangkok/Thailand without a visa when respecting the following criteria:

Your stay is maximum 30 days (although there is an exception for some countries that can stay longer)

Your visit is strictly for tourism purposes

You must have a return ticket  booked and show you are flying out of the country  within 30 days of entry (open tickets do not qualify)

Prove you have funds of at least 10,000 THB per person during your stay in Thailand.

Y ou are a passport holder of one of these 64 countries : Andorra, Argentina (90 days), Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil (30 days and 90 days),Brunei, Cambodia (14 days only), Canada, Chile (90 days),Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea (30 days and 90 days), Kuwait, Laos, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Myanmar (14 days only), Monaco, Mongolia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Peru (30 days and 90 days), Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Russia, San Marino, Singapore,Slovak Republic, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Vietnam

Your visit is strictly for  tourism  purposes

Your passport should be valid for at least 30 days

You must have a return ticket  booked and show you are flying out of the country within 15 days of entry (open tickets do not qualify)

A  fee of 2,000 THB is payable upon entry and is subject to change without notice. It must be paid in cash and Thai currency only.

You are a passport holder of one of these 19 countries : Bulgaria, Bhutan, China, Cyprus, Ethiopia, Fiji, Georgia, India, Kazakhstan, Malta, Mexico, Nauru, Mauritius, Papua New Guinea, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu

How do I apply for a visa if I need one? 

Do i need a visa when i'm in transit.

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What happens when overstaying your visa.

Overstaying your visa can have serious consequences! If you only overstay a few days, you will have to pay a fine for every day that you outstayed your visit. Although this might not seem like a harsh punishment, trust us, you don't want to have to deal with Thai authorities. 

The longer you outstay your visit, the higher the chances are of you getting arrested, face prosecution and even being deported or put into jail. And Thai prison is not a joke! When you overstay 3 months or more, you will face a long term ban from entering Thailand ever again, together with possible arrest, prosecution and jail time. So unless you want to end up in jail, let's keep it fun and respect the rules :)

The fun part: discovering Bangkok

Ok, you've sorted your travel documents, now let's enjoy the city! Whether it's your first time visiting Bangkok, or you've been here many times, Bangkok will always keep surprising you! 

With a city as big as Bangkok (the city occupies 1,568.7 square kilometers (605.7 sq mi), it's almost impossible to have visited every corner or attraction. We understand the city's size can be intimidating and you don't know where to start but that's where we come in!

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Expertly curated emails packed full of vacation inspiration, travel tips and more!

Update May 10, 2024

Information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

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Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents.

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Emergencies

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Travel Advisory July 24, 2023

Thailand - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise normal precautions in Thailand. Some areas have increased risk.  Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Reconsider travel to:

• Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, and Songkhla provinces due to  civil unrest associated with ongoing insurgent activities.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Thailand.

If you decide to travel to Thailand:

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.   
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .   
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Thailand.
• Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, and Songkhla Provinces – Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Periodic violence directed mostly at Thai government interests by a domestic insurgency continues to affect security in the southernmost provinces of Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, and Songkhla. In Songkhla, the insurgency is most active in the districts of Chana, Thepha, Nathawat, and Saba Yoi. U.S. citizens are at risk of death or injury due to the possibility of indiscriminate attacks in public places.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in these provinces as U.S government employees must obtain special authorization to travel to these provinces.

Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

6 months from date of entry required

One page is required per entry stamp; please note endorsement pages are not considered blank passport page

No, if your stay is less than 30 days

Yellow fever may be required if arriving from certain countries with yellow fever

Embassies and Consulates

U.S. Embassy Bangkok 95 Wireless Road Bangkok 10330 Thailand Telephone: + (66) (2) 205-4049, 02-205-4049 (within Thailand) Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(66) (2) 205-4000, 02-205-4000 (within Thailand) Fax: +(66) (2) 205-4103, 02-205-4103 (within Thailand) Email:   [email protected]

CONSULATE 

U.S. Consulate General Chiang Mai 387 Witchayanond Road Chiang Mai 50300 Thailand Telephone: +(66) (53) 107-777, 053-107-777 (within Thailand) Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(66) 81-881-1878, 081-881-1878 (within Thailand) Fax: +(66) (53) 252-633, 053-252-633 (within Thailand) Email:   [email protected]

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Visit the Royal Thai Embassy website for the most current visa information.

• U.S. citizen tourists entering Thailand for fewer than 30 days do not require a visa.
• We strongly recommend that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your arrival in Thailand to avoid possible denied entry.
• Thai immigration officials or airline staff may ask for your onward/return ticket.
• Business travelers, U.S. government employees travelling on official business, teachers, retirees, and those planning to stay longer than 30 days should check with the  Royal Thai Embassy about visa requirements .
• If you overstay your visa, you will be fined. Depending on the length of overstay, you may also be arrested, detained, deported at your own expense, and banned from re-entering Thailand.

We strongly recommend you carry a copy of your U.S. passport identification page and current Thai visa to help avoid detention by the Thai immigration police.

Thailand’s entry/exit information is subject to change without notice. For the most current information, please see  The Royal Thai Police Immigration Bureau .

You can find detailed information on vaccinations and other health precautions on the  CDC website . 

HIV/AIDS Restrictions: Some HIV/AIDS entry restrictions exist for visitors to and foreign residents of Thailand. However, these restrictions are generally not enforced. Please verify this information with the Royal Thai Embassy before you travel.

Find information on dual nationality , prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.

COVID-19 Requirements: There are no COVID-related entry requirements for U.S. citizens. 

Safety and Security

Terrorism: Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as:

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists
• Places of worship
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)

For more information, see our Terrorism page.

Periodic acts of violence in Thailand remain a concern.  In August 2019, several small explosions and related arson events occurred in various locations throughout Bangkok resulting in no deaths but some injuries and minor property damage. Several small-scale bombings occurred near some tourist locations in the far Southern provinces in August 2016 and December 2018. In August 2015, an explosion near the Erawan Shrine in downtown Bangkok killed at least 20 people and injured more than 100. The U.S. Department of State assesses there is a continued risk of terrorism in Southeast Asia, including in Thailand.

If a protest or demonstration is expected to pass near the U.S. Embassy or Consulate facilities,  Embassy and Consulate entrances and functions may be restricted. The U.S. Embassy in Bangkok’s  website ,  Facebook,  and  Twitter  sites and the U.S. Consulate General in Chiang Mai’s  website ,  Facebook , and  Twitter  sites post information about local events that may affect Embassy functions. Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive security and safety messages.

Far Southern Thailand:  Periodic violence directed mostly at Thai government interests by a domestic insurgency continues to affect security in the southernmost provinces of Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, and Songkhla. U.S. citizens are at risk of death or injury due to the possibility of indiscriminate attacks in public places. Martial law is in force in this region.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in these provinces. Travel to this region by U.S government employees must be reviewed and approved in advance. For more information on terrorist threats against U.S. citizens worldwide and steps to take as a result of these threats, please see the  Worldwide Caution .

• Crimes of opportunity,  such as pick-pocketing, bag-snatching, and burglary, occur in Thailand.
• Violent crimes  against foreigners are relatively rare. However, murders, rapes, and assaults against foreigners do occur.
• Sexually motivated violence,  committed by either Thai citizens or foreigners, is most likely to occur after time spent at bars, clubs, and parties, on beaches, or in remote/isolated areas. The Thai police response will differ from an investigation in the United States; investigating officials have publicly discredited people who have reported being the victim of crimes . In addition to making a report at the police jurisdiction in which the crime occurred, we advise contacting the Embassy and engaging a local attorney if you are a victim of an assault.
• When traveling alone,  exercise caution, stay near other travelers, and ensure friends or family know how to contact you.
• Taxi and “tuk-tuk”  drivers may attempt to charge excessive fares or refuse passengers. You should either request the driver use the meter or agree on the fare beforehand.
• At the airport  use only public transportation from the airport’s official pick-up area, cars from the limousine counters, or a car from your hotel.
• Rental scams  do occur in Thailand. Many rental motorbike, jet ski, and car companies will hold your passport until you pay for real or fictitious damages. We advise against using your passport as collateral.
• Exorbitant bar tab scams  occur in Thailand. Some bars and entertainment venues will charge exorbitant prices for drinks or unadvertised cover charges and threaten violence if you don’t pay.
• Other scams  involving gems, city tours, entertainment venues, and credit cards are common, especially in tourist areas.

International Financial Scams:  See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information.

Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Thailand. Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters. Scammers almost always pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help. Common scams include:

• Romance/Online dating
• Money transfers
• Grandparent/Relative targeting
• Free Trip/Luggage
• Work permits/job offers

Victims of Crime: U.S. citizen victims of crime are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. Report crimes to the local police by calling 191 or the Tourist Police at 1155 and contact the U.S. Embassy at +66 (0) 2-205-4049 or Consulate at +(66) (53) 107-777. Remember that only local officials have the authority to investigate and to prosecute a crime.

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. Report crimes to the local police by calling 191 or the Tourist Police at 1155 and contact the U.S. Embassy at +66 (0) 2-205-4049 or Consulate at +(66) (53) 107-777. Remember that only local officials have the authority to investigate and to prosecute a crime.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• Help you find appropriate medical care
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• Explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
• Provide a list of local attorneys
• Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• Replace a stolen or lost passport

Tourism: The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on  insurance providers for overseas coverage . 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.

Conditions at the Bangkok Immigration Detention Center (IDC):  Conditions in immigration detention centers (IDCs) where authorities detain foreign nationals who violate immigration laws remain poor and most are overcrowded. IDCs, administered by the Immigration Police Bureau, which reports to the Royal Thai Police (RTP), are not subject to many of the regulations that govern the regular prison system. U.S. citizen detainees often complain of stark, austere living conditions, overcrowding, and unhealthy conditions. Personal security is poor. In addition, the main IDC in Bangkok does not dependably provide adequate medical or mental health care. In 2019, two U.S. citizens died while in custody at the Bangkok IDC. Deportations are self-funded and it may take up to two weeks for Thai authorities to process a case before deportation. Detainees must have funds to purchase a phone card and do not have access to the internet. Prior approval and a security escort are required to visit a Western Union or an ATM machine.

• Please see the  Immigration Act B.E. 1979  for more information about Thai Immigration violations.
• Please see the  Department of State’s Report on Human Rights Practices for Thailand  for further information.

Lèse majesté (Royal Insult):  Thais hold the monarchy in the highest regard. Making a critical or defamatory comment about the royal family is punishable by a prison sentence of up to 15 years per offense. As an example, purposely tearing Thai bank notes, which carry an image of the King, may be considered a lèse majesté offense.

• Prostitution is illegal in Thailand.  Serious consequences include criminal conviction and imprisonment, particularly in the case of child prostitution. 
• Commercial surrogacy is banned.
• Personal use of even non-lethal military equipment, such as protective vests and night vision scopes, is prohibited.
• Illegal drugs  carry severe penalties. Expect long jail sentences under harsh conditions, heavy fines, or even execution for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs.
• Shoplifting  can result in large fines and lengthy detention followed by deportation.
• Domestic Issues:  Local police are reluctant to become involved in domestic issues. You may call the Family Services Emergency hotline by dialing 1300 from any Thai phone.
• Possessing counterfeit or pirated goods is a crime in Thailand.  For more information see the  intellectual property section of the U.S. Department of Justice website .

Customs  may enforce strict regulations on Buddha images, firearms, bullets and/or bullet casings, bullet-proof vests, night vision devices and other para-military type equipment, explosives, drugs, radios, books, and recordings, which might be cultural property and/or considered harmful to the public interest.

Faith-Based Travelers: See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTI Travelers: There are no known legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in Thailand. However, LGBTI groups report that in the case of sexual crimes, police tend to downplay sexual abuse claims from LGBTI victims.

See our LGBTI Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance. Sidewalks and street crossings are not suitable for travelers with mobility issues. Newly constructed buildings, facilities, and transportation equipment should be accessible by law for persons with mobility issues. However, enforcement of these provisions is not uniform.

Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers: Some victims of sexual assault or domestic violence find that Thai authorities do not handle such cases with as much sensitivity or consideration for privacy as they would expect in the United States. See our travel tips for Women Travelers .

Ambulance services are:

• not present throughout the country or are unreliable in most areas except for Bangkok and other major cities.
• Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance.

Medical treatment  is generally adequate in Thailand’s urban areas. In Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Pattaya, good facilities exist for routine, long-term, and emergency health care. Basic medical care is available in rural areas, but English-speaking providers are rare.

Medical tourism  is an established and rapidly growing industry. You should consult with your local physician before traveling and also  refer to information on medical tourism from CDC.

We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Medicine for personal use  is allowed as long as the amount does not exceed a 30-day supply and you bring the medicine with you. Do not mail medicine to Thailand without first confirming it will be allowed into the country.

If traveling with prescription medication, check with  Thailand Customs  and the  Thailand Food and Drug Administration  to ensure the medication is legal in Thailand. Always, carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription. 

The following diseases are present:

• Chikungunya
• Japanese encephalitis
• Tuberculosis:
• Hepatitis A and B
• Melioidosis         

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Air Quality:  The air quality in Thailand varies considerably and fluctuates with the seasons, but seasonal smog is a problem. In recent years the air quality in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, Lampang, Nan, and Samut Sakhon have exceeded Thai and U.S. government daily standards for fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) for a portion of the year. In Chiang Mai and other northern provinces, annual agricultural burning, approximately February through late April, and forest fires cause days with unhealthy to hazardous air quality based on the U.S. index. In Bangkok environs, airborne dust and auto pollutants are prevalent in the cooler, dry period (December-February). Anyone who travels where pollution levels are high is at risk. People at the greatest risk from air pollution exposure include:

• Infants, children, and teens
• People over 65 years of age
• People with lung disease such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema;
• People with heart disease
• People who work or are active outdoors

For Bangkok and Chiang Mai, U.S. Mission Thailand is reporting the U.S. EPA’s Air Quality Index (AQI) calculated from PM2.5 data captured by monitors owned and maintained by the Royal Thai Government. The information and advice on health protection measures to take is available

Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals . We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Health facilities in general:

• Adequate health facilities are available in Bangkok and other major cities but health care in rural areas may be below U.S. standards.
• Hospitals and doctors require payment “up front” prior to service or admission. Credit card payment is not always available.
• Medical staff at public hospitals may speak little or no English.
• Patients bear all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in the larger cities, with hospital-based care only available through government institutions.

Medical Tourism and Elective Surgery:

• Medical tourism is a rapidly growing industry. People seeking health care overseas should understand that medical systems operate differently from those in the United States and are not subject to the same rules and regulations. Anyone interested in traveling for medical purposes should consult with their local physician before traveling and visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information on Medical Tourism.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications.
• Your legal options in case of malpractice are very limited in Thailand.
• Although Thailand has many elective/cosmetic surgery facilities that are on par with those found in the United States, the quality of care varies widely. If you plan to undergo surgery in Thailand, make sure that emergency medical facilities are available and professionals are accredited and qualified.

Pharmaceuticals:

• Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas. Pharmaceuticals, both over the counter and requiring prescription in the United States, are often readily available for purchase with little controls. Counterfeit medication is common and may prove to be ineffective, the wrong strength, or contain dangerous ingredients. Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments.
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States. Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States. Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States. Please visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration websites for more information.

Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy:

• If you are considering traveling to Thailand to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please see our ART and Surrogacy Abroad page .
• Surrogacy is illegal for foreigners in Thailand, subject to complex local regulation. For additional information, visit the Government of Thailand’s website for information on foreigner surrogacy.
• If you decide to pursue parenthood in Thailand via assisted reproductive technology (ART) with a gestational mother, be prepared for long and unexpected delays in documenting your child’s citizenship. Be aware that individuals who attempt to circumvent local law risk criminal prosecution.

Water Quality:

• In many areas, tap water is not potable. Bottled water and beverages are generally safe, although you should be aware that many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. Be aware that ice for drinks may be made using tap water.

Adventure Travel:

• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Adventure Travel .

COVID-19 Testing: For the most current list of COVID-19 testing locations in Thailand approved by the Ministry of Public Health, please visit:  http://service.dmsc.moph.go.th/labscovid19 .  Testing is paid for by U.S. citizens.

The Ministry of Public Health provides a list of 44 laboratories approved to conduct COVID-19 testing found  here .

Please Note : Same-day Covid-19 testing is available at most private hospitals throughout Thailand.  Please reference this list of testing locations and contact the provider directly to inquire about COVID-19 testing options, scheduling, cost, and other information.

COVID-19 Vaccines:  The COVID-19 vaccine is available for U.S. citizens to receive in Thailand.   According to Thai authorities, both private and public hospitals are providing COVID-19 vaccines. More information on a list of hospitals in Thailand is available  here .

The Bang Rak Vaccination and Health Center, the Institute of Dermatology, and the Bamrasnaradura Infectious Diseases Institute are currently providing free bivalent vaccines to non-Thai citizens on a walk-in basis.

Visit the FDA's website to  learn more about FDA-approved vaccines  in the United States.  

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:

• Traffic accidents are common in Thailand.  According to the  World Health Organization , in 2018, Thailand had one of the world’s highest traffic-related fatality rates. Bangkok and some parts of Chiang Mai have heavy traffic.
• Reckless driving:  Speeding, reckless passing, and failure to obey other traffic laws are common in all regions of Thailand. Traffic moves on the left. Some drivers move illegally against the traffic. Scooters and motorbikes commonly drive on the sidewalks during rush hour and other periods of heavy traffic. Commercial drivers commonly consume alcohol, amphetamines, and other stimulants.
• Accidents involving motorcycles can be deadly . Riders may incur serious injuries when they are not wearing helmets or proper clothing and footwear. According to the World Health Organization, in 2016, 74 percent of traffic fatalities involved riders of 2-and 3-wheeled vehicles. Use of motorcycle helmets is mandatory, but this law is sporadically enforced. 
• Use a pedestrian bridge  to cross the road where one is available, including in front of the U.S. Embassy on Wireless Road and on Sukhumvit Road, where many pedestrians have been killed and several U.S. citizens seriously injured. Look carefully in both directions before crossing streets, even when using a marked crosswalk. 
• If you have a traffic accident,  you should contact your insurance company for guidance in dealing with the other party and the police.
• Emergency vehicles:  Congested roads and a scarcity of ambulances can make it difficult for accident victims to receive timely medical attention

Traffic Laws:

• Driving under influence is punishable by law . If you are found to be intoxicated, you could be jailed for a minimum of two years and subject to a fine.
• Bribes are illegal.  If you are found guilty, you could be imprisoned up to five years, face severe fines, or both.
• Lack of ID.
• Not obeying traffic laws and traffic signals.
• Driving slowly in regular lanes of traffic.
• If you are involved in a traffic accident, you should contact your auto insurance company for guidance . 

Public Transportation:

• Mass transit:  In Bangkok, the BTS elevated "Skytrain," “Airport Rail Link” mass transit, and the underground MRT systems are reliable, inexpensive, air conditioned, and often faster than Bangkok traffic.
• Bus system:  Bangkok also has an extensive bus system, but buses can be overcrowded and are often driven with little or no regard for passenger safety.
• For hire vehicles:  Cities outside of Bangkok typically have only rudimentary public transportation and usually do not have metered taxis. In many cases, motorcycle taxis, tuk-tuks, bicycle-powered rickshaws, and pick-up trucks will be the only options available for travelers without their own transport.
• Smartphone-based for-hire vehicle service  exist in Bangkok and other large cities. Those affiliated with registered taxis, such as Grab Taxi, Line Taxi, and All Thai Taxi are legal, but their affiliated car services are under legal review.

See our  Road Safety page  for more information.

Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Thailand’s Civil Aviation Authority as not being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Thailand’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Thailand should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts . Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the NGA broadcast warnings .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Thailand . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

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Suvarnabhumi VOA or Tourist Visa - Bangkok Forum

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Suvarnabhumi VOA or Tourist Visa

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What is the faster option through Suvarnabhumi Immigration in terms of paperwork and/or queues - VOA (30 day exemption) or a pre purchased Tourist Visa?

I’m tossing up my next two entries (this will be my third) so I need to consider when I use my second exemption. My main concern being time constraints with an International transfer & rechecking luggage.

13 replies to this topic

It is not VOA, if you are eligible for visa exemption. Queues for visa and visa exemption are the same. Paper work, probably not much in it.

By air you can use more than 2 exemptions per year. 2 exemptions limit only applies to land/sea borders not air.

Which passport are you travelling on?

As I will have two more entries this year (already had one this year) I need to decide which way to use this entry and whether having a Visa over using the exemption (in this particular instance) is quicker.

I am on an Australian passport. No will need to exit as I need to re check luggage. International to International.

My understanding is the Visa exemption is two entries per year. I haven’t seen anything indicating otherwise? Thank you by the way.

No it is not, unless you go overland or sea. Air is not restricted to 2.

So that is 4 within 4 months.

As Ray has tried to tell you, the restriction of two visa exempt entries per year is for LAND entries only. Exempt entries by air are technically unlimited (although if you have a lot of back to back exemptions, you may be questioned).

As an Australian passport holder you do not need any visa for stays under 30 days — that’s a visa exemption. which is not a Visa on Arrival (aka VOA). It is not any kind of visa.

The Thai Embassy Canberra says otherwise. In fact, everything I read says 2 entries, so I am very confused.

https://canberra.thaiembassy.org/visa-exemption/

Thanks. I’m assuming you are from the UK. The Thai Embassy in Canberra states 2 entries per calendar year. I am very confused.

I appreciate this is anecdotal but there are 240 posts on e pinned Visa thread and have read numerous other posts with the " two land entries only " being posted with no one reporting being refused on entry 3

Thanks for all your feedback. Much appreciated.

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Thailand Visa » Travel to Thailand » Requirements for traveling to Bangkok with the Thai eVisa

Requirements for traveling to Bangkok with the Thai eVisa

Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, is the most popular tourist destination in the country, and full of enticing attractions for visitors to explore.

However, before planning a trip to the city, all foreign nationals should first check if they need a visa for Bangkok to avoid any problems on arrival.

Whether or not you need a visa for Bangkok depends on several factors . These include the traveler’s nationality, the purpose of the visit, and the duration of the intended stay.

On this page, travelers can learn about when they need to obtain a Thai visa to visit the city and the different types of visas available.

They can also discover how to submit an online application and avoid having to apply for a visa at an embassy.

Who needs a visa for Bangkok?

Not everyone needs a visa to visit Bangkok. Some nationalities can enter Thailand for limited periods without obtaining a visa.

Visa exemption for tourism is granted to select foreign citizens for stays that range from between 14 and 90 days depending on their nationality.

A number of other nationalities can obtain an electronic visa on arrival for Bangkok , also known as the Thai eVOA , which permits a short stay for tourism.

Citizens of the following countries are eligible for this eVisa:

• Papua New Guinea

For longer periods of stay, these passport holders and anyone not eligible for the eVisa is required to obtain a visa to travel to Bangkok from a Thai embassy or consulate.

Visa Types for Bangkok

The most common type of visa for foreign nationals traveling to Bangkok is the Thai tourist visa.

As stated above, a number of passport holders are able to apply for a tourist visa online , eliminating the need to visit an embassy or consulate in person.

A Thailand eVisa may also be issued for purposes of:

• Sporting activities
• Medical treatment
• Attending exhibitions and conventions

An approved online visa for Bangkok allows the holder to spend up to 30 days in Thailand during its validity. It is valid for a total of 30 days from the date of approval, meaning that the traveler may use it to enter the country at any time during 1 month after issue.

Those not eligible to apply for the electronic visa on arrival will need to apply for a tourist visa for Bangkok from a Thai embassy or consulate.

Additionally, if an eVisa holder wishes to visit Thailand with a work visa or study visa, then they will also need to obtain this document from an embassy.

Thai eVisa Requirements for Bangkok

In order to apply for an online visa for Bangkok, it is first necessary to meet the Thailand eVisa requirements .

The applicant should have the following documents :

• Passport with a minimum validity of 30 days from the intended date of arrival
• Photograph of the applicant , which meets certain specifications
• Copy of confirmed flight tickets
• Copy of bookings for accommodation

Those who are intending to visit friends or family in Bangkok are able to supply the address where they will be staying instead of a hotel booking. All of these supporting documents can be uploaded digitally during the online application.

How Can I Get a Tourist Visa for Bangkok Online?

Those eligible for the online tourist visa for Bangkok can easily obtain it by completing a simple electronic application in just a few minutes, to receive an approved eVisa sent by email . The process is quick and easy and requires the applicant to:

• Fill in the form with basic personal, passport, and travel information
• Upload the necessary supporting documents
• Provide a current email address at which to receive the approved eVisa
• Use a credit or debit card to pay the Thai eVisa fee
• Double-check the data supplied for any errors before submitting the form

Once the online application has been submitted, a tourist visa for Bangkok is processed within 24 hours in many cases.

Nevertheless, applicants are advised to apply at least 3 days of their intended arrival to allow for any unexpected processing delays.

After receiving their approved eVisa, the traveler should print a copy to carry when traveling to Thailand .

This document can then be presented to border authorities in Bangkok alongside their valid passport, to gain expedited entry to the city on arrival.

• Thailand Online Visa
• eVisa Application
• eVOA Online
• eVisa Conditions
• Thailand Visa on Arrival for Bhutanese Citizens
• Thailand Policy for Indian Citizens
• Thailand Policy for Taiwanese Citizens

Bangkok Visa on Arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)

Bangkok Visa on Arrival  can be issued at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), which is the main travel hub of Thailand. In case your journey starts at the main airport of  Bangkok , you can apply for Visa on Arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport as it is one of Immigration Checkpoints providing facilities for  Thai Visa on Arrival .

Other international airports, harbours and land border crossings, where you can apply for Thai Visa on Arrival to enter the country, are listed here – Immigration Checkpoints issuing Visa on Arrival .

If your nationality lets you enter Thailand on visa exemption  or you’ve got a Single Entry Tourist Visa  / Multiple Entry Tourist Visa or any other type of Thailand visa in advance from Thai embassy or consulate, you can proceed directly to the immigration, present your travel documents to the immigration officer, get your passport stamped and you will be allowed to enter the country.  Thailand Immigration control procedure  at the airport is briefly described here:  Thailand Immigration Control Procedure for Foreigners .

However, if you’re a citizen of one of the countries eligible to obtain Thai Visa on Arrival such as China or India  and decided to use this type of Thailand Visa for entering the country, you need to proceed to Bangkok Visa on Arrival department first and apply for your Visa on Arrival before passing Immigration control.

Suvarnabhumi Airport Visa on Arrival

As the queues at Suvarnabhumi Airport Visa on Arrival section might be long, preparing all your documents in advance can be a really good idea as it will help you save some time at the airport.

Where to apply for Visa on Arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport

Once you arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport , follow the signs leading to "Immigration" or simply "Arrivals". There are also the signs clearly displaying directions "Visa on Arrival" and "E-Visa on Arrival", which is the place where you need to apply for Visa on Arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport . Bangkok Airport Visa on Arrival area is located about 100 meters after the main Immigration area.

On the way to Immigration additional signs of “VISA on Arrival” on the poles and the distance on them will show up. They are big and clear so you will definitely not miss them.

On the way to Visa on Arrival section, you will also notice a counter of eVisa on your left. In case you've applied for E-Visa on Arrival before arrival (more about this option below), you might wish to contact the staff at this counter in case you have some questions or concerns. If not, you can just proceed further to the main Visa on Arrival area, which is located nearby.

You will also pass currency exchange booth of the bank on your way. If you don’t have enough Thai baht for paying Thai Visa on Arrival fees, you can exchange your currency at this booth or at one of the booths located just near the entrance to Bangkok Visa on Arrival section. Expect all these money changers to be offering the equally bad currency exchange rates so there's not much point in shopping around. Simply exchange money here only if you must to and only the amount that is necessary.

If you haven't prepared your Bangkok Visa on Arrival application form in advance, you can do it at one of the stands named "Immigration Form", where additional information about Visa on Arrival application requirements is provided.

Documents required for Bangkok Visa on Arrival

When applying for Thai Visa on Arrival at Bangkok Airport you will need:

• Visa on Arrival application form

Return ticket

Hotel booking.

• Visa on Arrival fee

A proof of appropriate means of living

• Thailand Arrival Card (no longer needed, when applying at the airport)

Main required documents are clearly displayed at the information stands in several different languages.

Thai Visa on Arrival application form

Thai Visa on Arrival application form should be duly filled-in. You can get the application form at Bangkok Visa on Arrival document check desk or download and fill the PDF form in advance  and just bring a printed copy with you. Completing Thailand Visa on Arrival application form in advance is easy and will save your time at the airport.

Travelers from China, India, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan can even find detailed explanation of how Thai Visa on Arrival application form should be filled in with the data from their respective passports.

Passport requirements

Passport must be valid for at least 30 days and issued by one of the eligible  Thailand Visa on Arrival countries .

The list of eligible countries is also provided at the information stand. While there are countries such as Russia and Saudi Arabia included, citizens of these countries can enter Thailand on visa exemption so application for Thai Visa on Arrival makes no sense for them, even if officially they are eligible to do that.

When applying for Thai Visa on Arrival, return or onward journey air ticket for flying out of Thailand within the next 15 days must be presented. 

Other proofs of your intention to leave Thailand in 15 days, such as your trip plan and international bus or train ticket, can be accepted too.

Get a really  good flight deal for your trip to/from Thailand here: Cheap Flight Deals .

You need to have a hotel or apartment address in Thailand that can be verified. Recently they started to ask for the proof of accommodation as well, so a printed hotel booking voucher is needed when applying for Thai Visa on Arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport.

If you haven’t booked your accommodation yet, just book any hotel on Booking.com  or Agoda as hotel bookings from these online travel agents are usually accepted with no trouble.

You need to attach one passport size (4 x 6 cm) photo to your Visa on Arrival application form. The photo shouldn’t be older than 1 month but if you still look like the person in the photo, everything should be fine. There are also additional Visa on Arrival photo requirements that are provided at the information stand as seen below.

Thai Visa on Arrival Fee

Bangkok Visa on Arrival fee is 2,000 THB. The fee must be paid in cash and Thai currency only. You can exchange your cash at one of currency exchange booths in the hall just before Visa on Arrival counters.

We recommend exchanging only the amount needed for paying the Visa on Arrival fee (about 60 EUR or 70 USD per person) here, as you can get much better currency exchange rates at Suvarnabhumi Airport .

A proof that you have funds of at least 10,000 THB per person and 20,000 THB per family during your stay in Thailand might be needed. Showing enough cash in any currency should be enough. However, at Suvarnabhumi Airport they hardly ask for it but it’s better to be prepared as this is an official requirement and they have the right to demand it at any time.

Thailand Arrival Card

Thailand Arrival Card is no longer required when entering Thailand by air so you don't need to submit it when applying for Suvarnabhumi Airport Visa on Arrival as well.

How to apply for Visa on Arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport

There’s a Visa on Arrival document check desk near the entrance. Here you can get Thai Visa on Arrival application form, which needs to be duly filled. Once you’ve filled your application form, just show it with all other leading documents to the person at the desk. The desk is located just in front of the entrance to Suvarnabhumi Airport Visa on Arrival section.

Don’t worry if there will be no one at the desk, in such a case just proceed to Visa on Arrival counters.

The system of Visa on Arrival counters at Bangkok Airport has been changed several times. Now there are two separate lines. One is for the ordinary Visa on Arrival applications, when you submit all the required documents at the place. Another line is dedicated to E-Visa on Arrival service users.

While E-Visa on Arrival is supposed to work as a "fast track" as your application is pre-checked before arrival, depending on the number of people waiting in the lines, it might not necessary be like that. 

The situation at the counters is not constant as the length of the queue here depends on the number of open counters, the time of your arrival and the number of flights arriving from other countries eligible for Visa on Arrival. During our latest visit to Suvarnabhumi Airport, all Visa on Arrival area was basically empty so E-Visa on Arrival was just a waste of money on that day as it costs more than the ordinary Visa on Arrival.

When your turn will come, proceed to the counter, present your passport and other listed documents to the officer. You will get a small laminated paper with a number on it.

Go to the waiting area, which is just after the counters. Sit there and wait until the officer brings passports and starts announcing numbers. When your number will be announced, just go to the officer, give the laminated paper back and take your passport - your Thai Visa on Arrival is already in it!

Proceed to the immigration, present your travel documents to the officer, get your passport stamped and you will be allowed to enter the country.

E-Visa on Arrival Thailand

There is  Thailand E-Visa on Arrival online application system that is supposed to simplify and speedup the process of application for Thailand Visa on Arrival. This way of application is available at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport and three other international airports. More info about the online application system can be found here: E-Visa on Arrival Thailand (E-VoA) .

Detailed information about how to how to apply for E-Visa on Arrival Thailand and how to fill in E-Visa on Arrival application form correctly can be found here: Thailand E-Visa on Arrival Application .

There's also another Thailand E-Visa on Arrival system that can be used as an alternative. More info about it: Thailand eVisa on Arrival (eVOA) by VFS Global .

Temporary Visa on Arrival Removal

Visa on Arrival requirement was temporarily removed for the citizens of the following countries who can enter Thailand without the need to apply for Visa on Arrival:

• China – from 25 September 2023 to 29 February 2024 (Visa on Arrival requirement removed)
• Kazakhstan – from 25 September 2023 to 29 February 2024 (visa free entry extended until 31 August 2024)
• India  - from 10 November 2023 to 10 May 2024
• Taiwan - from 10 November 2023 to 10 May 2024

Detailed information about other facilities at the airport can be found here:  Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport .

You should also check:

[SALE] SIM Card for Thailand (BKK Airport Pick Up) 

Where to Stay in Bangkok

[Sale] Private Suvarnabhumi Airport Transfers (BKK)

Train from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Bangkok

Shuttle bus between Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport to Pattaya Transfer

Hotels near Suvarnabhumi Airport

Welcome to Thailand!

Any questions.

Check our Frequently Asked Questions about Thailand Visa on Arrival and ask your own question if it's not answered there yet.

FAQ - Thailand Visa on Arrival

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For foreigner

1. visa extension – in the case of business necessity, for example, the applicant must stay to carry out work for a company or partnership.

Criteria for Consideration

• The alien must have been granted a non-immigrant visa (NON-IM).
• The alien must earn an income per the attached Table of Income (Annex A).
• The business must have a paid-up registered capital of no less than Baht 2 million.
• Said business must have submitted its financial statements as at the end of its fiscal year for the past 1 accounting year which have duly been audited and certified by a certified public accountant or a tax auditor, to prove that the business is sufficiently secure with actual and continuous operation, according to the guidelines for consideration of business status concerning the actual and continuous operation attached hereto (Annex B).
• Said business must have a ratio of one alien employee per four permanent Thai employees.
• The following businesses shall be exempted from the Criteria (3), (4) and the ratio of Thai employees specified under Criteria (6), shall be reduced to one alien employee per one permanent Thai employee: (a) International trade business (representative office) (b) Regional office (c) Overseas company (branch office)

Documents to be submitted

• Application form TM.7 (Attach 1 photo size 4*6 cm., fee 1,900 baht)
• Copy of applicant’s passport (copy of passport with; photo and information page, last arrival stamp page, Re-entry Permit stamp page, Departure card (TM.6) and last extend visa) and the applicant must certify his/her signature on every sheet.
• A copy of work permit.
• In case the applicant is accompanied by the family, their vital statistics e.g. marriage certificate, birth certificate of their child/children must be provided. If these documents were issued by a foreign government, they must be certified by such foreign embassy.
• Certificate of employment prepared in accordance with the form prescribed by the Immigration Bureau (Sor.Tor.Mor.1)
• The Acknowledgement of Penalties for a visa Overstay.
• Other supporting documents required by the competent authority (Sor.Tor.Mor.2)
• Proof of corporate formation e.g. certificate of incorporation of company or partnership certified by the Registrar within the previous 6 months.
• Certified list of shareholders (Bor.Aor.Jor.5) certified by the Registrar within the previous 6 months and it must be certified by The Department of Business Development.
• A copy of passport and a copy of the Director’s work permit.
• Power of Attorney duty stamp neat and attach a copy of the identity card and delegate.
• Form submission SOP 3. Balance sheet and statement of income and income tax a company/partnership (P.N.D. 50) last year with receipts, they must be certified by The Revenue Department or by The Department of Business Development.
• Form for filing income tax withholding (P.N.D. 1) that has the name of Thailand employees and name of applicant-alien 3 months last receipt. To pass the authentication from The Revenue Department.
• Copy of latest personal income tax return of the applicant (P.N.D.91), together with receipt. It must be certified by The Revenue Department.
• Business License
• Location map of Applicant’s Workplace
• Photos of Applicant and Workplace – Outside the building : must appears number and the establishment sign clearly. – Inside the establishment : Applicants must appear together with the directors and Thai employees while working.

  Remark : Documents other than certified by government agencies, must be signed and affixed with the company’s seal on every sheet by the authorized director according to the registration letter specified.

2. Visa Extension - In the case of necessity where the applicant must carry out duties relating to investment approved by the relevant ministry, department, and bureau

• Must have been granted a non-immigrant visa (NON-IM).
• Must have been confirmed and requested by the relevant ministry, department, and bureau.
• Application form
• Copy of applicant’s passport
• Copy of work permit
• Letter of confirmation and request for a temporary stay issued by the relevant ministry, bureau, and department

3. 3.Visa Extension - In the case of necessity where the applicant must carry out duties for the government, state enterprise, or other government agency

1. Must have been granted a non-immigrant visa (NON-IM). 2. Must have been confirmed and requested by said agency or organization.

• Letter of confirmation and request for a temporary stay issued by the government, state enterprise, or other relevant government agency
• Evidence proving the status of the government agency (if any)

4. Visa Extension - In the case of tourism purposes

• Must have been granted a tourist visa (TOURIST)
• Must not be of a nationality or type prescribed by the committee monitoring official proceedings of officers of the Immigration Bureau. ( In case of the following nationalities ,extension of stay permit will not be longer than 7 days ; Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Iran, Nepal, Togo, Nigeria, Uganda)
• Application form TM.7 (application must be made in person)
• Photo 4 x 6 cm. (not older than 6 months)
• Application fee 1,900 Baht.

Document For case :

In the case of receiving medical treatment :

• Application form TM. 7 (application must be made in person)
• Letter of confirmation and request for a temporary stay issued by a physician of the hospital providing said treatment

In the case of attending rehabilitation or taking care of a patient :

In the case of taking care of a patient, the applicant must attach a letter of confirmation and request for a temporary stay issued by a physician of the hospital providing said treatment and document stating relationship (in the case that the caretaker is a member of the family), such as a marriage certificate, a birth certificate, registration of child legitimization, child adoption registration certificate, or confirmation letter from the embassy or consulate.

In the case of a person who used to have Thai nationality or whose perent is or was of Thai nationality visiting relatives or returning to his or her original homeland :

• Copy of documents proving that the applicant used to have Thai nationality or that hit/her parent is or was of Thai nationality.

In the case of visiting a spouse or children who are of Thai nationality

• Documents of relationship 3.1 Copy of household registration certificate 3.2 Copy of national ID card of the person having Thai nationality 3.3 Copy of a marriage certificate or copy of a birth certificate

In the case of litigation or court proceedings :

• Confirmation letter from an iquiry official involved with the case, official paper or document confirming that the applicant is being involved with the litigation or court proceedings of the case.

In the case of performing duties or missions for a government agency, state enterprise, other government agency or embassy or consulate or international organization :

• Letter of confirmation and request for a temporary sty issued by a government agency of the departmental level or equivalent; the head of a state enterprise; the head of another government agency; or a police officer of a level equivalent to or higher than the divisional level; or a military officer of a command unit under the Ministry of Defense, Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters, Royal Thai Army, Royal Thai Navy, or Royal Thai Air Force, who is a Major General, Rear Admiral, Air Vice Marshal, or officer of a higher ranking; or by an international organization.

In the case of necessity, with certification or request made by an embassy or consulate :

• Letter of confirmation and request for a temporary stay from the embassy and consulate in Thailand
• Only in the case of training, the applicant must have been granted a work permit.

5. Visa Extension - In the case of investment

A. Investment of no less than Baht 3 million:

• Must have been granted a non-immigrant visa (NON-IM);
• Must have entered the Kingdom before October 1, 2006 and must have been consecutively permitted to stay in the Kingdom for an investment of no less than Baht 3 million;
• Must have evidence of transferring funds into Thailand of no less than Baht 3 million;
• Must have evidence of investing in the purchase of a condominium unit for no less than Baht 3 million issued by a relevant agency or by the government; or
• Must have evidence of investing in the form of a fixed deposit of no less than Baht 3 million with a bank which is registered in Thailand and has Thai nationals holding more than 50 percent of its shares; or
• Must have evidence of investing in the purchase of government or state enterprise bonds of no less than Baht 3 million; or
• Must have evidence of making an investment as set out in Criteria (4), (5), or (6) with a total value of no less than Baht 3 million.

B. Investment of no less than Baht 10 million:

• Must have evidence of transferring funds into Thailand of no less than Baht 10 million.
• Must have evidence of investing in the purchase or rental of a condominium unit for a period of no less than 3 years issued by a relevant agency or government, at a purchase or rental price of no less than Baht 10 million; or
• Must have evidence of investing in the form of a fixed deposit of no less than Baht 10 million with a bank which is registered in Thailand and has Thai nationals holding more than 50 percent of its shares; or
• Must have evidence of investing in the purchase of government or state enterprise bonds of no less than Baht 10 million; or
• Must have evidence of making an investment as set out in Criteria (3), (4), or (5) with a total value of not less than Baht 10 million.
• Copy of evidence showing a transfer of funds from a foreign country to a bank in Thailand
• Copy of a condominium purchase agreement and a copy of the ownership registration of said condominium issued by the government or relevant agency (in the case of purchase of a condominium); or
• Funds deposit certificate issued by a bank and a copy of evidence of the funds deposit (only in the case of investment in funds deposit); or
• Copies of bond certificates (only in the case of investment in a purchase of government or state enterprise bonds)
• Copy of a condominium purchase agreement and a copy of the ownership registration of said condominium issued by the government or relevant agency (in the case of purchase of a condominium) or a copy of a long-term lease agreement; or

6. Visa Extension - In the case of a teacher, professor, or expert in a government educational institution

In the case of a teacher, professor, or expert in a government educational institution:.

1. Must have been granted a non-immigrant visa (NON-IM). 2. Must have been confirmed and requested by the particular educational institution.

• Letter of confirmation and request for a temporary stay issued by the educational institution, specifying the applicant’s title, monthly salary rate, and term of employment
• Copy of a teaching license or a certificate of license issued by the Teacher’s Council of Thailand or a copy of a letter of waiver issued by the Teacher’s Council of Thailand or a copy of an acknowledgment of waiver request issued by the Teacher’s Council of Thailand (except for teachers, instructors, or experts of higher education)

7. Visa Extension - In the case of a teacher, professor, or expert in a private educational institution

In the case of a teacher, professor, or expert in a private educational institution:.

• Said educational institution is permitted to operate by a relevant government agency.
• The alien must have been confirmed and requested by the particular educational institution.

– For education in school system such as general education, English program schools, vocational schools that follow the Ministry of Education’s curriculum, and international schools:

• Copy of evidence of permission to establish said educational institution issued by the relevant government agency
• Letter of confirmation and request for a temporary stay issued by the educational institution, specifying the applicant’s title, monthly salary rate, and term of employment, together with a copy of a letter of teacher appointment in the format required by the Private Education Commission
• Copy of a teaching license or a copy of a certificate of license issued by the Teacher’s Council of Thailand or a copy of a letter of waiver issued by the Teacher’s Council of Thailand or a copy of an acknowledgment of waiver request issued by the Teacher’s Council of Thailand

– For education of non-school system

• Copy of evidence of permission to establish said educational institution issued by the relevant government agency
• Copy of a letter of teacher appointment in the format required by the Private Education Commission

– For institutes of higher education

• Copy of evidence that permission has been granted to establish said educational institution issued by the relevant government agency
• Letter of confirmation and request for a temporary stay issued by the dean of the educational institution specifying the applicant’s title, monthly salary rate, and term of employment

8. Visa Extension - In the case of study in a government educational institution

In the case of study in a government educational institution:.

1. Must have been granted a non-immigrant visa (NON-IM). 2. Must have been confirmed and requested by that particular educational institution.

• Letter of confirmation and request for a temporary stay, issued by the educational institution, which shows detailed information about the applicant’s years of education, level of curriculum, and educational achievement

9. Visa Extension - In the case of study in a private educational institution

In the case of study in a private educational institution:.

• The alien must have been confirmed and requested by that particular educational institution.
• The alien must have been confirmed by the relevant government agency (except in the case of study in an international school and higher education).
• Copy of evidence of permission to establish the educational institution issued by the relevant government agency
• Letter of confirmation and request for a temporary stay, issued by the educational institution, which shows detailed information about the applicant’s years of education, level of curriculum, and educational achievement
• Confirmation letter issued by a government agency at the departmental level or by the Provincial Governor in charge of that particular institution (except in the case of enrolment in an international school or in the case of higher education)

10. Visa Extension - In the case of conducting training or research in a university or research institute

In the case of conducting training or research in a university or research institute:.

• Must have been confirmed and requested by the dean of that university or by the head of that research institution.
• In the case of conducting training or research in a private university or research institute, must have been confirmed and requested by the relevant government agency.
• Letter of confirmation and request for a temporary stay issued by the dean of that university or by the head of that research institution
• Only in the case of Criterion (3), the applicant must attach a letter of confirmation and request for a temporary stay issued by the relevant government agency.

11. Visa Extension - In the case of being a family member of an alien who has been permitted a temporary stay in the Kingdom for study in an educational institution according to Clauses 2.8 or 2.9 hereof

In the case of being a family member of an alien who has been permitted a temporary stay in the kingdom for study in an educational institution according to clauses 2.8 or 2.9 hereof (applicable only to parents, spouse, children, adopted children, or spouse’s children):.

• The alien must have proof of relationship.
• In the case of spouse, the relationship must be de jure and de facto; or
• In the case of children, adopted children, or spouse’s children, said children, adopted children, and spouse’s children must not be married, must live with the alien as part of the family, and must not be over 20 years of age; or
• In the case of parents, funds must be deposited in a bank in Thailand, under the father’s or the mother’s name, of no less than Baht 500,000 for the past three months. For the first year only, the applicant must have proof of a deposit account in which said amount of funds has been maintained for no less than 30 days prior to the filing date.
• Copy of the passport of the alien who has been permitted to stay in the Kingdom for education purposes
• Copy of documents showing proof of relationship, such as a marriage certificate, a birth certificate, registration of child legitimisation, household registration certificate, child adoption registration certificate, or other evidence issued by the government or relevant agency
• Only in the case of Criterion (5), the applicant must attach a funds deposit certificate issued by a bank in Thailand and a copy of a bankbook.

12.Visa Extension - In the case of performing duties in the mass media

In the case of performing duties in the mass media:.

• Must have been confirmed and requested by the Government Public Relations Department or the Department of Information, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• Letter of confirmation and request for a temporary stay issued by the Government Public Relations Department or the Department of Information, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

13.Visa Extension - In the case of studying Buddhism or practicing religious activities

In the case of studying buddhism or practicing religious activities:.

• Must have been confirmed and requested by the National Office of Buddhism, or Office of the Prime Minister, or Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, or Mahamakut Buddhist University.
• Must have been confirmed by the abbot of the temple where the applicant is studying Buddhism or practicing religious activities.
• Confirmation letter from the National Office of Buddhism, Office of the Prime Minister, Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, Mahamakut Buddhist University, or other educational institutions for monks
• Confirmation letter from the abbot of the temple where the applicant is studying Buddhism or practicing religious activities

14. Visa Extension - In the case of a missionary

In the case of a missionary:.

• Must have been confirmed and requested by the Department of Religious Affairs or the Office of National Buddhism.
• Must have been confirmed and requested by the particular religious organization
• Confirmation letter from the Department of Religious Affairs or the National Office of Buddhism
• Letter of confirmation and request for a temporary stay issued by the religious organisation

15.Visa Extension - In the case of a skilled laborer or a medical expert or a practitioner of other professions for the purpose of transferring knowledge to Thai people

In the case of a skilled laborer or a medical expert or a practitioner of other professions for the purpose of transferring knowledge to thai people:.

1. Must have been granted a non-immigrant visa (NON-IM). 2. Must have been confirmed and requested by a relevant organization or agency.

• Letter of confirmation and request for a temporary stay issued by the relevant organization or agency

16. Visa Extension - In the case of installation or repair of machines, aircraft, or ocean vessels

In the case of installation or repair of machines, aircraft, or ocean vessels:.

• Letter of confirmation and request for a temporary stay issued by the relevant organization or agency

17. Visa Extension - In the case of an actor, vocalist, or musician working at a hotel or an entertainment company in Thailand with a paid-up registered capital of no less than Baht 20 million

In the case of an actor, vocalist, or musician working at a hotel or an entertainment company in thailand with a paid-up registered capital of no less than baht 20 million:.

• Must have been confirmed and requested by a hotel or an entertainment company in Thailand which has a paid-up registered capital of no less than Baht 20 million.
• Copy of the employment agreement to work as an actor, vocalist, or musician
• Copy of evidence proving company registration, such as a certificate of company or partnership registration, certified by the registrar within the previous six months
• Only for companies in the entertainment business, the applicant must attach a copy of the list of shareholders certified by the registrar within the previous six months.
• Copy of the latest monthly withholding income tax return specifying the applicant’s name together with payment receipt
• Copy of individual income tax return for the latest year together with payment receipt

18. Visa Extension - In the case of being a family member of a Thai national

Thai children.

1)  Applicant must have been granted a non-immigrant visa (NON-O)

2)  Having proof of relationship

3)  Having evidence of nationality of Thai children

4)  Children, adopted children, or stepchildren being considered for guardianship must meet the following criteria: Must be unmarried, must reside within the same household and under 20 years of age, except in cases of illness, disability or the inability to support themselves and must remain under the care and protection of either the father or mother

4) 5) Having evidence of definite financial the father or mother must maintain an average annual income of no less than 40,000 Baht per month, or must have no less than 400,000 Baht in a bank account in Thailand or have a combination of an average annual income and a deposit totaling at least 400,000 baht to cover expenses for 1 year

1)  Application Form for extension of temporary stay (TM.7) attached with one photo of applicant. The photo cannot be older than 6 months.

2)  Statement (No.3)

3)  Form for acknowledging the criteria and conditions required for temporary residence permission within the Kingdom. (STM.2)

4)  Copy of passport first page with photo and copy last stamp, first visa, last visa, departure card (TM 6), Report address (TM30), Report 90 days

5)  Evidence of relationship

5.1 Copy of Birth certificate and household registration of Thai children

5.2 Copy of Registration of Child Legitimacy (Khor Ror.11) and a copy of the court judgment (if any)

5.3 In the case of parents register their marriage in Thailand

– Copy of Marriage Certificate (Khor Ror 3)

– Copy of Registration of Marriage (Khor Ror 2)

5.4 In the case of parents register their marriage abroad

– Copy of Marriage Certificate

– Copy of Record of family status (Khor Ror 22)

* In the event of divorce, please provide both the divorce certificate and divorce registration

6)  Copy of Identification and household registration of Thai parents

7)  School certificate (If the child is currently enrolled). A picture of the father or mother with the child in front of the school (Within the last 6 months)

8)  Documents supporting financial status of the father or mother

8.1 In case of working in Thailand

– Foreigner’s work permit

– A certificate from the employer company, signed by an authorized person, should include details about job duties, the type of position as per the work permit, and a monthly salary of no less than 40,000 baht

– Form of filing income tax withholding (Phor Ngor Dor 1) past 3 months and latest personal income tax (Phor Ngor Dor 91) together with receipt must be certified by The Revenue Department

– The original certificate of company registration and the list of company shareholders (B.O.J. 5) must be certified by The Department of Business Development within the previous 6 months

– 2 pictures depicting individuals in the act of performing their work duties, 2 pictures with the office building in the Background and Company map

8.2 In case of having money in a bank account in Thailand (Fix/Saving Deposit)

– Letter from the bank certified the account in the bank no less than 400,000 Baht

– A copy of bank passbook dated as of the application submission date, showing a balance of no less than 400,000 Baht

8.3 In case of having any other income from abroad such as pension

– Letter from the applicant’s Embassy in Bangkok verified monthly pension or other income not less than 40,000 Baht

8.4 In the case of have a combination of an average annual income (Evidence according to Section 8.3) and have total calculated deposits of not less than 400,000 baht. (Evidence according to Section 8.2)

9)  If your current residence does not match the address on your house registration, please provide the following documents: A rental contract or a certificate from the homeowner, A copy of Homeowner’s ID card, A copy of the house registration of the landlord (if renting) or proof of house ownership (if you own the house), Copy of House lease agreement, Identification and household registration of owner

10)  Family picture of applicant for 4 pictures (The photo cannot be older than 6 months/ Outside house 2 pictures, Inside house 2 pictures, House Map

11)  Application fee is 1,900 Baht

12)  Documents or other evidence as specified by the Committee for Monitoring the Performance of Immigration Officials of the Immigration Bureau

1)  Applicant and spouse must contact in person for an interview

2)  The originals of required documents must be shown to the competent officer and photocopied with certified signature by applicant

STAYING WITH THAI HUSBAND

1)  Must have been granted a non-immigrant visa (NON-O) (The photo cannot be older than 6 months.)

2)  Having any proof of relationship.

3)  Having evidence of nationality of Thai husband.

4)  Having relationship with Thai husband must be de jure and de facto.

1)  Application Form for extension of temporary stay (TM.7) attached with one photo of applicant

2)  Copy of passport first page with photo and copy last stamp, first visa, last visa, departure card (TM 6), evidence of report address, evidence of report 90 days

3)  Evidence of relationship

3.1  In the case of registering a marriage in Thailand – Copy of Marriage Certificate (Khor Ror 3) – Copy of Registration of Marriage (Khor Ror 2)

3.2  In the case of registering a marriage abroad – Copy of Marriage Certificate – Copy of Record of family status (Khor Ror 22)

* In the event of divorce, please provide both the divorce certificate and divorce registration.

4)  Thai nationality issued by authority or governmental agency concerned and copy of Birth certificate and household registration of child/children.

5)  Copy of House lease agreement, Identification and household registration of owner.

6)  Family picture of applicant for 4 pictures (The photo cannot be older than 6 months / Outside house 2 pictures, Inside house 2 pictures, House Map.)

7)  Application fee is 1,900 Baht

8)  Documents or other evidence as specified by the Committee for Monitoring the Performance of Immigration Officials of the Immigration Bureau.

STAYING WITH THAI WIFE

1) Applicant must have been granted a non-immigrant visa (NON-O)

2) Having proof of relationship

3) Having evidence of nationality of Thai wife

4) Having relationship with Thai wife de jure and de facto

5) Having evidence of definite financial status of the alien husband must earn an average annual income of no less than 40,000 Baht per month, or must have no less than 400,000 Baht in a bank account in Thailand for the past two months to cover expenses for one year or have a combination of an average annual income and a deposit totaling at least 400,000 baht for yearly expenses

1) Application Form for extension of temporary stay (TM.7) attached with one photo of applicant.

2) Copy of passport first page with photo and copy last stamp, first visa, last visa, departure card (TM.6), evidence of report address (TM.30), Report 90 days.

3) Evidence of relationship

3.1 In the case of registering a marriage in Thailand

– A copy of Marriage Certificate (Khor Ror 3)

– A copy of Registration of Marriage (khor Ror 2)

3.2 3.2 In the case of registering a marriage abroad – A copy of Marriage Certificate

– A copy of Record of family status (Khor Ror 22)

* If you have previously been married, please provide both the divorce certificate and divorce registration.

4) Copy of Identification and household registration of Thai wife or any other document proving his Thai nationality issued by authority or governmental agency concerned and copy of Birth certificate and household registration of child/children.

5) Documents supporting financial status of husband

5.1   In the case of working in Thailand

– Certified letter from employer for salary in details. (monthly salary no less than 40,000 Baht)

– Certificate of Incorporation of company and Certified list of shareholders (Bor Aor Jor.5) must be certified by The Department of Business Development within the previous 6 months

5.2  In case of having money in a bank account in Thailand (Fix / Saving Deposit)

– Letter from the bank certified the account in the bank of not less than 400,000 baht

– A copy of bank passbook dated as of the application submission date, showing a balance of no less than 400,000 baht

5.3  In case of having any other income from abroad such as pension

– Letter from the applicant’s Embassy in Bangkok verified his monthly pension or other income not less than 40,000 baht

5.4  In the case of have a combination of an average annual income (Evidence according to Section 5.3) and have total calculated deposits of not less than 400,000 baht. (Evidence according to Section 5.2)

6) Copy of House lease agreement, Identification and household registration of owner

7) Family picture of applicant with Thai wife and child/children for 4 pictures

• Outside house 2 pictures
• Inside house 2 pictures
• Map of applicant house in Thailand

8) Application fee is 1,900 Baht

9) 9) Documents or other evidence as specified by the Committee for Monitoring the Performance of Immigration Officials of the Immigration Bureau

1) Applicant and spouse must contact in person for an interview

2) The originals of required documents must be shown to the competent officer and photocopied with certified signature by applicant

19. Visa Extension - In the case of being a family member of a Thai resident

In the case of being a family member of a thai resident (applicable only to parents, spouse, children, adopted children, or spouse’s children):.

• In the case of children, adopted children, or spouse’s children, said children, adopted children, or spouse’s children must not be married, must live with the alien as part of the family, and must not be over 20 years of age; or
• In the case of parents, the father or mother must be 50 years of age or over.
• Copy of documents proving relationship, such as a marriage certificate, a birth certificate, registration of child legitimization, household registration certificate, child adoption registration certificate, or other evidence from the government or relevant agency
• Copy of residence permit and copy of alien residence certificate

20. Visa Extension - In the case of being a family member of an alien permitted a temporary stay in the Kingdom

In the case of being a family member of an alien permitted a temporary stay in the kingdom under  clauses 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.10, 2.12, 2.13, 2.14, 2.15, 2.16, 2.17, 2.21, 2.22, 2.26, or 2.29 hereof or section 34(7) (applicable only to parents, spouse, children, adopted children, or spouse’s children):.

• Must have proof of relationship.
• Copy of the passport of the alien who has been permitted to stay in the Kingdom

21. Visa Extension - In the case of necessity where the alien must stay to perform duties in a public charitable organization, a foreign private company, a foundation, an association, a foreign chamber of commerce, the Thai Chamber of Commerce, or the Federation of Thai Industries

In the case of necessity where the alien must stay to perform duties in a public charitable organization, a  foreign private company, a foundation, an association, a foreign chamber of commerce, the thai chamber of commerce, or the federation of thai industries:.

• The Alien must have been granted a non-immigrant visa (NON-IM).
• The Alien Must have been confirmed and requested by the authorized person or the person holding the highest position in the organization, and/or
• The Alien Must have been confirmed and requested by the head of a government agency equivalent to or higher than the departmental level or by the head of a state enterprise or by the head of another government agency relating to the organization.
• Copy of evidence of permission to establish the organization or a copy of the permit to enter into and operate the organization in the Kingdom issued by the relevant government agency
• Letter of confirmation and request for a temporary stay issued by the organization
• List of aliens working in the organization
• Only in the case of Criterion (3), the applicant must attach a letter of confirmation or request for a temporary stay issued by the head of a government agency equivalent to or higher than the departmental level or by the head of a state enterprise or by the head of another government agency relating to the organization.

22. Visa Extension - In the case of retirement

In the case of retirement:.

• Must have been granted a non-immigrant visa (NON-Immigrant Visa).
• Must be 50 years of age or over.
• Must have evidence of monthly income of no less than 65,000 Baht or
• At least 2 months prior to the filing date and at least 3 months after being granted permission, an alien must have a deposit in a commercial bank located in Thailand of no less than 800,000 baht. After being granted permission for 3 months, an alien can withdraw the said deposit and must have the remaining balance in the bank account of no less than 400,000 baht or
• Must have an annual income and a deposit in a commercial bank located in Thailand with total sum of no less than 800,000 baht as of the filing date. The said deposit must maintain in the bank account prior to and after the permission is granted and the withdrawal can be made under the same condition in the Criterion (4).
• Only for an alien, who has been granted Non-Immigrant “O-A” Visa, must have health insurance or non-Thai social welfare covering medical expenses including the ones for Covid-19 disease with the coverage of no less than 100,000 USD or 3,000,000 baht for the entire duration of stay in the Kingdom. 6.1) In case of purchasing Thai health insurance, an alien can purchase through the website: longstay.tgia.org 6.2) In case of purchasing foreign insurance or having non-Thai social welfare, it must be certified by a foreign embassy in Thailand or a signature of authorized person on submitted documents (Notary) must be certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of an applicant. 6.3) In the case of insurance company totally or partially denies a health insurance’s purchase, an alien must have a deposit in a commercial bank located in Thailand of no less than 3,000,000 baht at least 2 months prior to filing an application or have a deposit in a commercial bank located in Thailand and other health insurances with total sum of no less than 3,000,000 baht for medical treatment and evidence of denying health insurance’s purchase certified by the said insurance company or a foreign embassy in Thailand or a signature of authorized person on submitted documents (Notary) must be certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of an applicant, depending on circumstances.
• An alien entering the Kingdom before October 21, 1998 and has been consecutively permitted to stay in the Kingdom for retirement, shall be subject to the following criteria: (a) An alien must be 60 years of age or over and have an annual fixed income with a deposit maintained in a bank account for the past 3 months of no less than 200,000 baht or have a monthly income of no less than 20,000 baht. (b) If less than 60 years of age but not less than 55 years of age, an alien must have an annual fixed income with a deposit maintained in a bank account for the past 3 months of no less than 500,000 baht or have a monthly income of no less than 50,000 baht.
• Evidence of income such as a retirement pension or interest or dividend and/or
• Fund deposit certificate issued by a commercial bank located in Thailand and a copy of bank account
• Only an alien according to the criterion for consideration (6) is subject to the following criteria: 5.1) In case of purchasing Thai health insurance, an alien must have insurance evidence in accordance with the form approved by the Office of Insurance Commision (OIC) by checking at the website: longstay.tgia.org 5.2) In case of purchasing foreign health insurance or having non-Thai social welfare, an alien must have a certification letter from a foreign embassy in Thailand or a certification letter of authorized person’s signature on submitted documents (Notary) from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of an applicant in accordance with the form prescribed by the Ministry of Public Health. 5.3) In case an insurance company totally or partially denies a health insurance’s purchase,         5.3.1) In case of purchasing health insurance in Thailand, an alien must have a letter of denial issued by the said insurance company.         5.3.2) In case of purchasing foreign health insurance, an alien must have a certification letter of authorized person’s signature on submitted documents (Notary) from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of an applicant in accordance with the form prescribed by the Ministry of Public Health.
• In case of Criterion (7), an alien must submit the documents same as the list no.1 – 4 mentioned above.
• Documents or other evidence as specified by the Committee for Monitoring the Performance of Immigration Officials of the Immigration Bureau.

23. Visa Extension - In the case of a person who used to have Thai nationality or whose parent is or was of Thai nationality visiting relatives or returning to his or her original homeland

In the case of a person who used to have thai nationality or whose parent is or was of thai nationality visiting relatives or returning to his or her original homeland:.

(1) There must be evidence that the applicant used to have Thai nationality or that his/her parent is or was of Thai nationality.

• Copy of documents proving that the applicant used to have Thai nationality or that his/her parent is or was of Thai nationality (In the case that the evidence of having Thai nationality is inconsistent with the information shown in the passport, the applicant must submit a confirmation letter from the embassy or consulate, or document verifying the applicant as being the same individual, such as an affidavit from a reliable person.)

24. Visa Extension - In the case of visiting a spouse or children who are of Thai nationality

In the case of visiting a spouse or children who are of thai nationality:.

• There must be proof of relationship.
• In the case of spouse, the relationship must be de jure and de facto.
• Copy of household registration certificate
• Copy of national ID card of the person having Thai nationality
• Copy of a marriage certificate or copy of a birth certificate

25. Visa Extension - In the case of receiving medical treatment, attending rehabilitation, or taking care of a patient

In the case of receiving medical treatment, attending rehabilitation, or taking care of a patient:.

• Must have been confirmed and requested by a physician of the hospital providing said treatment with full explanation about the illness, period of treatment, and the physician’s opinion that the illness is an impediment to travel.
• In the case of taking care of a patient, the applicant must have been confirmed and requested by a physician of the hospital providing the examination and treatment or by an embassy or consulate.
• In the case of caretakers who are not the parents, spouse, children, adopted children, or spouse’s children, permission shall be granted for no more than one person.
• Letter of confirmation and request for a temporary stay issued by a physician of the hospital providing said treatment
• In the case of taking care of a patient, the applicant must attach a letter of confirmation and request for a temporary stay issued by a physician of the hospital providing said treatment and documents stating relationship (in the case that the caretaker is a member of the family), such as a marriage certificate, a birth certificate, registration of child legitimization, child adoption registration certificate, or confirmation letter from the embassy or consulate.

26. Visa Extension - In the case of litigation or court proceedings

In the case of litigation or court proceedings:.

There must be evidence confirming that the applicant is involved in a litigation or court proceedings as accuser, injured person, accused, plaintiff, defendant, or witness.

• Confirmation letter from an inquiry official involved with the case, official paper or document confirming that the applicant is being involved with the litigation or court proceedings of the case.

27. Visa Extension - In the case of performing duties or missions for a government agency, state enterprise, other government agency or embassy or consulate or international organization

In the case of performing duties or missions for a government agency, state enterprise, other government agency or embassy or consulate or international organization:.

• Must have been confirmed and requested by a government agency of the departmental level or equivalent; the head of a state enterprise; the head of another government agency; or a police officerof a level equivalent to or higher than the divisional level; or by a military officer of a command unit under the Ministry of Defense, Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters, Royal Thai Army, RoyalThai Navy, or Royal Thai Air Force who is a Major General, Rear Admiral, Air Vice Marshal, or officer of a higher ranking; or by an international organization.
• In the case of necessity on a case-by-case basis, to stay more than 90 days, the application must be forwarded to the Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau or Deputy Commissioner of theImmigration Bureau for consideration.
• Copy of a passport of an applicant
• Letter of confirmation and request for a temporary stay issued by a government agency of the departmental level or equivalent; the head of a state enterprise; the head of another government agency; or a police officer of a level equivalent to or higher than the divisional level; or a military officer of a command unit under the Ministry of Defense, Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters, Royal Thai Army, Royal Thai Navy, or Royal Thai Air Force, who is a Major General, Rear Admiral, Air Vice Marshal, or officer of a higher ranking; or by an international organization

28. Visa Extension - In the case of necessity, with certification or request made by an embassy or consulate

In the case of necessity, with certification or request made by an embassy or consulate:.

(1) In the case of necessity, each permission shall be granted for no more than 30 days.

(2) Only in the case of training, each permission shall be granted for no more than 90 days.

• Must have been confirmed and requested by the embassy or consulate.
• In the case of training, the alien must have been granted a Non-Immigrant Visa.
• Original or electronic letter of confirmation and request for a temporary stay from an embassy or consulate in Thailand
• Only in the case of training, copy of work permit must be attached.
• Other documents or evidence as specified by the committee for monitoring performance of official duties of competent officials of the Immigration Bureau

29. Visa Extension - In the case of proof of nationality

In the case of proof of nationality:.

1. Must have been confirmed by a relevant government agency.

1. Application form 2. Copy of applicant’s passport 3. Confirmation letter from the relevant government agency

30. Visa Extension - In the case of an actor, vocalist, musician, or performance director, including persons responsible for entertaining performances or plays conducted from time to time

In the case of an actor, vocalist, musician, or performance director, including persons responsible for entertaining performances or plays conducted from time to time:.

1. Must have been confirmed and requested by a relevant private entity.

• Letter of confirmation and request for a temporary stay from the relevant private sector entity

31. Visa Extension - In the case of a person in charge of conveyance and crew of conveyance who entered through a port, station, or locality in the Kingdom, and has not departed from the Kingdom

In the case of a person in charge of conveyance and crew of conveyance who entered through a port, station, or locality in the kingdom, and has not departed from the kingdom:.

1. The case shall be considered based on the reasons and necessity of not being able to depart from the Kingdom.

• Letter of confirmation and request for a temporary stay from the relevant government or private organization or agency

32. การขออยู่ต่อ – กรณีเป็นนักกีฬาอาชีพ หรือบุคคลากรที่เกี่ยวข้องด้านกีฬาอาชีพ

กรณีเป็นนักกีฬาอาชีพ หรือบุคคลากรที่เกี่ยวข้องด้านกีฬาอาชีพ.

หลักเกณฑ์การพิจารณา

• คนต่างด้าวต้องได้รับการตรวจลงตราประเภทคนอยู่ชั่วคราว
• คนต่างด้าวต้องมีรายได้ขั้นต่ำไม่น้อยกว่า 40,000 บาทต่อเดือน
• ได้รับการรับรองและร้องขอจากหัวหน้าองค์กรนั้น
• ได้รับการรับรองจากการกีฬาแห่งประเทศไทย
• กรณีบริษัท ต้องเป็นธุรกิจซึ่งมีทุนจดทะเบียนที่ชำระแล้วไม่ต่ำกว่า 2 ล้านบาท

เอกสารประกอบที่ต้องใช้

• แบบคำขอ ตม.7
• สำเนาหนังสือเดินทางของผู้ยื่นคำขอ
• สำเนาใบอนุญาตทำงาน
• กรณีมีครอบครัวติดตามมาอยู่ด้วย ให้แสดงหลักฐานครอบครัว ได้แก่ ทะเบียนสมรส ใบเกิดบุตร หากออกโดยรัฐบาลในต่างประเทศให้ผ่านการรับรองจากสถานทูตของประเทศนั้นๆ
• หนังสือรับรองคนต่างด้าวเข้าทำงานตามแบบของสำนักงานตรวจคนเข้าเมือง (สตม.1)
• หนังสือรับทราบแนวทางปฏิบัติการห้ามเข้ามาในราชอาณาจักร
• เอกสารหรือหลักฐานอื่นตามที่คณะกรรมการติดตามการปฏิบัติราชการของพนักงานเจ้าหน้าที่ตรวจคนเข้าเมืองของสำนักงาน ตรวจคนเข้าเมืองกำหนด (แบบ สตม.2)
• หลักฐานการจดทะเบียนขององค์กรนั้น เช่น หนังสือรับรองการจดทะเบียนบริษัท หรือการจดทะเบียนห้างหุ้นส่วนจำกัด ฉบับนายทะเบียนรับรองไม่เกิน 6 เดือน หรือสำเนาใบอนุญาตให้จัดตั้งองค์กรจากทางราชการหรือสำเนาใบอนุญาตให้เข้ามาดำเนินการจากส่วนราชการที่เกี่ยวข้อง
• บัญชีรายชื่อผู้ถือหุ้น (บอจ.5) ฉบับนายทะเบียนรับรองไม่เกิน 6 เดือน (เฉพาะกรณีบริษัท) ต้องผ่านการรับรองจาก กรมพัฒนาธุรกิจการค้า
• หนังสือมอบอำนาจติดอากรแสตมป์เรียบร้อย พร้อมแนบสำเนาบัตรประจำตัวประชาชนผู้มอบและผู้รับมอบ
• หนังสือรับรองจากบริษัท สมาคม สโมสร หรือองค์กรยืนยันการจ้างผู้ยื่นคำขอ
• สัญญาการจ้างงาน
• หนังสือรับรองจากการกีฬาแห่งประเทศไทย
• สำเนาหลักฐานรับรองภาษาอังกฤษระบุการเป็นนักกีฬาของบริษัท สมาคม/สโมสรฟุตบอลที่ผู้ยื่นคำขอเล่นอยู่/เคยเล่น ผ่านการรับรองจากกระทรวงการต่างประเทศหรือหน่วยงานที่รับผิดชอบของประเทศนั้นๆ ที่ใช้ประกอบการยื่นขอรับ การตรวจลงตราก่อนเดินทางเข้ามาในราชอาณาจักร
• สำเนาหนังสือรับรองว่าไม่มีประวัติอาชญากรรม/ยาเสพติดจากประเทศที่คนต่างด้าวพำนักอยู่ที่ใช้ประกอบการยื่นขอรับ การตรวจลงตราก่อนเดินทางเข้ามาในราชอาณาจักร
• แบบแสดงรายการภาษีเงินได้บุคคลธรรมดา (ภ.ง.ด.91) ของคนต่างด้าวผู้ยื่นคำขอปีล่าสุด พร้อมใบเสร็จรับเงิน ต้องผ่าน การรับรองความถูกต้องจากสรรพากร
• แผนที่แสดงสถานที่ทำงานของผู้ยื่นคำขอ
• รูปถ่ายสถานประกอบการ – ภายนอกอาคาร ให้ปรากฏเลขที่ตั้ง และป้ายชื่อสถานประกอบการให้ชัดเจน – ภายในอาคาร ให้ปรากฏภาพคนต่างด้าวผู้ยื่น พร้อมด้วยคณะกรรมการบริษัท และพนักงานคนไทยขณะปฏิบัติงานอยู่
• บัญชีรายชื่อคนต่างด้าวที่ทำงานในองค์กร

  หมายเหตุ  :   เอกสารนอกเหนือจากการรับรองโดยหน่วยงานของรัฐ ให้กรรมการผู้มีอำนาจตามหนังสือรับรองจดทะเบียนกำหนดไว้เป็นผู้ลงนามรับรองเอกสารและประทับตราบริษัททุกแผ่น

33. Visa Extension - In the case for Foreigners Having Rights under the Investment Promotion Act B.E. 2520, the Petroleum Act B.E. 2514, and the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand Act B.E. 2522

กรณี b.o.i. , การนิคมฯ , กรมเช้ือเพลิง , รับรอง.

• แบบฟอร์ม ตม.7 ( ค่าธรรมเนียม 1,900 บาท)
• แบบฟอร์ม ตม.8 ( ค่าธรรมเนียม S= 1,000 บาท, M=3,800 บาท )
• รูปถ่าย ขนาด 4 x 6 ซม. ถ่ายไม่เกิน 6 เดือน จำนวน 2 รูป
• หนังสือรับรองจาก B.O.I. , การนิคมอุตสาหกรรม , กรมเชื้อเพลิงธรรมชาติ
• สำเนาหนังสือเดินทาง พร้อมหนังสือเดินทางฉบับจริง–ใช้หน้าที่มีรูปถ่าย – หน้าวีซ่า Non ครั้งแรก – การเดินทางครั้งแรกของ Non – หน้าวีซ่า ที่ได้รับการอนุญาตครั้งสุดท้าย – หน้า Re-Entry สุดท้าย – หน้าการเดินทางเข้าประเทศครั้งสุดท้าย – บัตร ตม.6
• แบบฟอร์ม สตม.2 ( การรับทราบเงื่อนไขการอนุญาตให้อยู่ในราชอาณาจักร )

ติดต่อที กองกํากับการ 3 กองบังคับการตรวจคนเข้าเมือง 1 อาคารจัตุรัสจามจุรี ชัน้ 18 เลขท่ี 319 ถ.พญาไท เขตปทุมวัน กรุงเทพฯ โทร. 0-22090–1100 ต่อ 1016

34. Visa Extension - In the case of Necessity to Perform Duties in a Juristic Person

กรณีเข้ามาประจําสํานักงานผู้แทนของนิติบุคคลต่างประเทศในธุรกิจการค้าระหว่างประเทศ สํานักงานภูมิภาคของบริษัทข้ามชาติ และสํานักงานสาขา.

• แบบฟอร์ม ตม.7 พร้อมรูปถ่ายขนาด 4 x 6 ซม. จำนวน 1 รูป
• สำเนาหนังสือเดินทาง และสำเนาใบอนุญาตทำงาน
• หนังสือชี้แจงตำแหน่งของคนต่างด้าวที่ปฏิบัติงานในบริษัท โดยให้ระบุ– ลักษณะธุรกิจ – เหตุผลความจำเป็นในการจ้าง ระบุตำแหน่ง อัตราเงินเดือน คุณวุฒิ – จำนวนพนักงานคนไทยและคนต่างด้าวที่มาปฏิบัติงานในบริษัท
• ใบอนุญาตประกอบธุรกิจและหนังสือรับรองการประกอบธุรกิจ
• หลักฐานการนำเงินเข้ามาในราชอาณาจักรตามเงื่อนไขใบอนุญาตประกอบธุรกิจ
• หนังสือแต่งตั้งจากสำนักงานใหญ่ ( Power of Attorney )
• รายการภาษีเงินได้ของคนต่างด้าวและพนักงานคนไทย (ภ.ง.ด.1 ) เดือนล่าสุด พร้อมใบเสร็จรับเงิน
• รายการภาษีเงินได้ของคนต่างด้าว ( ภ.ง.ด.91 ) ปีล่าสุด พร้อมใบเสร็จรับเงิน
• สำเนาแบบรายการแสดงการส่งเสริมเงินสบทบตามที่ได้ยื่นไว่ต่อสำนักงานประกันสังคม ( สปส.1-10 ) เดือนล่าสุด
• แผนที่แสดงที่ตั้งของสำนักงาน
• กรณีมีครอบครัวติดตามมาอยู่ด้วยให้แสดงหลักฐานความเป็นครอบครัวเช่นใบทะเบียนสมรสใบ สูติบัตร หรือหนังสือรับรองจากสถานทูต
• หนังสือรับทราบเงื่อนไขการอนุญาตให้อยู่ต่อในองค์กร

35. Visa Extension – In case of journalist with certification by government agencies

กรณีปฏิบัติหน้าที่สื่อมวลชน โดยได้รับการอนุญาตจากทางราชการ.

• แบบฟอร์ม ตม.8 พร้อมรูปถ่ายขนาด 4 x 6 ซม. จำนวน 1 รูป
• หนังสือรับรองจากกรมสารนิเทศ กระทรวงการต่างประเทศ หรือส่วนราชการที่เกี่ยวข้องระดับกรม หรือ เทียบเท่า

ติดต่อที กองกำกับการ 3 กองบังคับการตรวจคนเข้าเมือง 1 อาคารจัตุรัสจามจุรี ชั้น 18 เลขที่ 319 ถ.พญาไท เขตปทุมวัน กรุงเทพฯ โทร. 0-22090–1100 ต่อ 1016

36. Visa Extension - กรณีติดตามครอบครัวของผู้ถือวีซ่าตามกฎหมายพิเศษ หรือ BOI , การนิคมฯ , กรมเชื้อเพลิง , รับรอง

กรณีติดตามครอบครัว.

• สำเนาหนังสือเดินทางของผู้ยื่นขออยู่ต่อ
• สำเนาหนังสือเดินทางของคนต่างด้าวที่ได้รับอนุญาตให้อยู่ในราชอาณาจักร
• สำเนาเอกสารแสดงความสัมพันธ์กัน เช่น หลักฐานการจดทะเบียนสมรส สำเนาสูติบัตร หลักฐานการจดทะเบียนรับรองบุตร สำเนาทะเบียนบ้าน หลักฐานการจดทะเบียนรับบุตรบุญธรรม หรือหลักฐานอื่นจากส่วนราชการ หรือหน่วยงานที่เกี่ยวข้อง

37. Visa Extension - กรณีเพื่อธุรกิจ/สำนักงานปฏิบัติการภูมิภาค

กรณีเพื่อธุรกิจ/สำนักงานปฏิบัติการภูมิภาค ( ปีแรก/ปีถัดไป ).

• แบบฟอร์ม ตม.7 พร้อมรูปถ่ายขนาด 4 x 6 ซม. จำนวน 1 รูป (ผู้ขอ,ผู้ติดตามตามลำดับ (ถ้ามี) )
• แบบฟอร์ม ตม.8 พร้อมรูปถ่ายขนาด 4 x 6 ซม. จำนวน 1 รูป (ผู้ขอ,ผู้ติดตามตามลำดับ (ถ้ามี) )
• บัญชีรายชื่อคนต่างด้าวทุกคนในบริษัท
• แผนภูมิแสดงตำแหน่งงาน
• หนังสือรับรองคนต่างด้าวเข้าทำงานตามแบบคำขอของสำนักงานตรวจคนเข้าเมือง(สตม.1)/หนังสือชี้แจงต่าง ๆ/ประกาศรับสมัครพนักงานคนไทย
• สำเนางบดุล และงบกำไรขาดทุน ปีล่าสุด (พร้อมฉบับจริง)
• สำเนาแบบยื่นรายการภาษีเงินได้หัก ณ ที่จ่าย (ภ.ง.ด.1) ที่มีชื่อพนักงานคนไทย และชื่อคนต่างด้าวผู้ยื่นคำขอและสำเนาใบเสร็จรับเงินเดือนล่าสุด พร้อมแสดงใบเสร็จรับเงินฉบับจริง
• สำเนาแบบแสดงรายการภาษีเงินได้ส่วนบุคคลธรรมดาของคนต่างด้าวผู้ยื่นคำขอ (ภ.ง.ด.91) และสำเนาใบเสร็จรับเงิน  พร้อมแสดงใบเสร็จรับเงินฉบับจริง
• สำเนาแบบรายการแสดงการส่งเสริมเงินสบทบตามที่ได้ยื่นไว้ต่อสำนักงานประกันสังคม ( สปส.1-10 ) และสำเนาใบเสร็จรับเงิน เดือนล่าสุด พร้อมแสดงใบเสร็จรับเงินฉบับจริง
• หลักฐานการจดทะเบียนขององค์กรนั้น เช่น หนังสือรับรองการจดทะเบียนบริษัท (ฉบับจริง) หรือ การจดทะเบียนห้างหุ้นส่วนฉบับนายทะเบียน (ฉบับจริง) รับรองไม่เกิน 6 เดือน
• บัญชีรายชื่อผู้ถือหุ้นฉบับนายทะเบียนรับรองไม่เกิน 6 เดือน (บอจ.5) (ฉบับจริง)
• กรณีมีครอบครัวติดตามมาอยู่ด้วย ให้แสดงหลักฐานความเป็นครอบครัว เช่น ใบทะเบียนสมรส ใบสูติบัตร หรือหนังสือรับรองจากสถานทูต (ฉบับจริง)
• รูปถ่ายของบริษัทฯ ภายในบริษัทฯ ในรูปถ่ายต้องมีพนักงานนั่งปฏิบัติงาน จำนวน 4 รูป และภายนอกบริษัทฯ ต้องมีป้ายชื่อบริษัทฯ และสถานที่ตั้ง ของบริษัทฯ จำนวน 2 รูป
• เอกสารหรือหลักฐานอื่น ตามที่คณะกรรมการติดตามการปฏิบัติราชการของพนักงานเจ้าหน้าที่ตรวจคนเข้าเมือง ของ สตม.กำหนด (แบบ สตม.2)

38. Visa Extension - In the case of Long-Term Resident Visa (LTR Visa)

1. An alien who has been granted LTR Visa. 1.1   LTR   “W” 1.2   LTR   “P” 1.3   LTR   “T” 1.4   LTR   “H”

List of documents

• Passport or document in lieu of passport of an applicant and a copy of passport or document in lieu of passport
• Notification Letter from the Board of Investment to the Immigration Bureau within 60 days from issuance date of the endorsement letter
• Criteria and Conditions Acknowledgement Form for a Temporary Stay Permit in the Kingdom (LTR Visa) (STM.8)

2. An alien who is a dependent of the main LTR Visa holder and has been granted LTR “O”.

• Passport or document in lieu of passport of the main LTR Visa holder who has already been granted permission to extend a Temporary Stay in the Kingdom and a copy of passport or document in lieu of passport
• Copy of documents proving relationship such as a marriage certificate, registration of child legitimization, household registration certificate or child adoption registration certificate or other evidence from the government or relevant agency

1. คนต่างด้าวสามารถรายงานตัวแจ้งที่พักอาศัยเกินกว่า 90 วัน ผ่านทางอินเตอร์เน็ต ล่วงหน้าก่อนวันครบกำหนด 15 วัน

2. ระบบจะส่งเอกสารตอบรับ ผ่านทาง Email ที่ได้ลงทะเบียนไว้ โดยเป็นสถานะอยู่ระหว่างการพิจารณาอนุมัติ “Pending”

3. เมื่อเจ้าหน้าที่ได้พิจารณาข้อมูลผ่านทางอินเตอร์เน็ตแล้ว ระบบจะส่งผลให้คนต่างด้าวทราบทาง Email ที่ได้ลงทะเบียนไว้ภายใน 3 วัน ทั้งนี้ คนต่างด้าวสามารถตรวจสอบสถานะการแจ้งฯ ได้ด้วยตนเอง ผ่านทางอินเตอร์เน็ต โดยคลิกที่เมนู Check the status of application

4. ระบบจะแจ้งเตือนวันครบกำหนดการแจ้งครั้งถัดไป ล่วงหน้า 15 วัน ผ่านทาง Email ที่แจ้งไว้ในขั้นตอนการลงทะเบียนสมัคร

5. คนต่างด้าวจะไม่สามารถแจ้งรายงานตัว 90 วันผ่านระบบออนไลน์ได้ ในกรณีดังต่อไปนี้

– กรณีมีการเปลี่ยนหนังสือเดินทางเล่มใหม่

โดยต้องมาแจ้งกับเจ้าหน้าที่ตรวจคนเข้าเมืองตามเขตพื้นที่ที่คนต่างด้าวพักอาศัย ทั้งนี้คนต่างด้าวจะแจ้งด้วยตนเอง หรือมอบหมายให้ผู้อื่นไปแจ้งแทนก็ได้ หลังจากนั้นจะสามารถยื่นรายงานตัว 90 วัน ผ่านระบบออนไลน์ได้ตามกำหนดนัดรายงานตัวครั้งต่อไป

***********

1. Procedure for Notification of residence for more than 90 days via the internet can be report 15 days in advance.

2. The system will send a response via registered email and your application(s) will be mark as “Pending” approval status.

3. When the officer has considered your application, the result will be send via the registered email address within 3 days. You can check the status via the internet by yourself  by clicking on the menu “Check the status of application ”

4. 15 days in advance the system will notify you of the next due date for notification of residence through the registered email address.

5. The online service do NOT support if:

– There have been a change of new passport.

The foreigner have to make the notification in person or authorizes another person to make the notification at the immigration office located in the locality in which the foreigner have taken residence. After that, the foreigner can make the next 90 days notification by online service.

This project (e-Extension) will be served based on the following 12 reasons or necessities for extending stay:

1. Tourism 2. Public school teachers 3. Attending a public school 4. Serving in a government agency 5. Former Thai 6. Resident’s families 7. Press 8. Trainer and researcher for a government agency 9. Machine installation and repair 10. Medical Specialist 11. Stationed vehicle operator 12. Embassy-certified and requested

For more information:  Thaiextension.vfsevisa.com .

In the first phase, service recipients can obtain a visa sticker from the Immigration Division 1 Which is located at the Government Complex Chaeng Wattana, Building B (FL.3) , Lak Si District, Bangkok.

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How to Extend Your Tourist Stay in Thailand: Thai Visa Extension Made Simpler

THAI VISA EXTENSION FOR SETV, METV AND VISA WAIVER

By John Belushi last updated on July 9, 2023

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When you are in Thailand, maybe you want to start a meditation retreat. Maybe you think you’ve fallen in love. Maybe you just want to sit around and drink beer while watching the waves crash on the seashore.

Maybe you are planning to find a job in Thailand (for which you would need a Thai work permit ).

And that’s when you realize you want to get a Thai visa extension or extend your visa-exempt entry. So a 30-day visa extension works out if you :

• Entered Thailand with a 60-day visa or SETV.
• Came with a 6-month visa or METV to Thailand.
• Entered with a visa waiver for 30 days (the Thai government has changed this visa waiver to 45 days starting from 1st October 2022 until March 2023). You can enter by land, sea or air.

And should you go for it, it’s really easy to go to the nearest immigration office and get it for 1900 THB. In reality, what you obtain is the extension of stay. You don’t get a visa sticker on your passport or anything. You simply get a stamp.

Table of Contents

How Many Thai Visa Waivers Can I Get & Extend?

There are a lot of conflicting reports online that you are allowed up to six per calendar year and some say only two.

My take is this: a big part of this depends on your personal travel history and stamps in Thailand, and whether the immigration officer had a bad day.

Personally, I think you would be fine since your last entry was a long time ago. But do have an onward ticket.

Which Border is the Best for Visa Run?

While Laos still remains the safest and easiest of all, Malaysia is just fine. Have not heard any bad news about it pretty recently.

You can take the overnight sleeper train to Penang besar. From there you can take another train to penang, if you wish to stay in Malaysia but it is not really required.

And in case you want to try the Myanmar one, the Mae Sot border- what I know is that you’ll be required to wait in the office while your passport is stamped and then asked to return immediately to Thailand.

You can’t stay there overnight. You are only permitted to cross the bridge for the purposes of a border run.

7-day Thai Visa Extension 1. Are you from Sri Lanka,India,Pakistan,Bangladesh, Iran,Nepal,Togo,Nigeria or Uganda? You can get a 7-day Thai visa extension only even if you entered with a SETV or METV. 2. Did you get 15 days visa waiver while entering Thailand? Then you can get a Thai visa extension for 7 days only. 3. Did you enter with a Thai visa on arrival for 15 days? You can get Thai visa on arrival extension for 7 days only for medical reasons.

What to Do about Onward Ticket for Thai Visa Extension?

This is something that a lot of folks have asked about in the comments. The thing about the onward ticket is that, while you do need it while extending the visa, there are a bunch of airlines that would not let you board if you don’t have one.

Been there and done that.

The best solution to this is to simply rent a flight ticket . There are a lot of other solutions that might or might not work for you. Here is a whole post on getting a travel itinerary for visa purposes.

Here is what you do. Rent the ticket a day or two before your original visa waiver or SETV runs out, without taking the extension into account. That means, if your SETV is for 60 days, you rent a ticket to leave Thailand on the 58th or 59th day.

Then once you are in Thailand, and when it is time for the extension, either buy a real ticket if you are gonna fly out or a bus/train ticket to Laos or some other country or rent a flight ticket again.

Do You Need Insurance for Thai Visa Extension?

No, for the extension itself, you don’t need insurance, although you would have gotten it in the first place for entering Thailand.

That being said, we always recommend to our readers that they are fully insured when they are traveling. And for what it’s worth, we believe at close to 10 USDs per week and covering almost everything including COVID, SafetyWing is one of the best providers.

This is something that we have already used ourselves. And if you are having doubts, here are 18 backpackers who could throw some light on why backpacker travel insurance is super important.

When to Get Thai Visa Extension

You must apply for a visa extension before your stay permit or visa expires!

I recommend planning to get your extension a week earlier. It is better to not wait until the last minute.

Where to Extend Thailand Tourist Visa

Each province has at least one immigration office. You can find the list of branches on the official website of Thailand Immigration . The office and its outbuildings act as a one-stop shop for the process.

You can also refer to this map for Thailand Immigration Offices, however, please note that sometimes the locations can change. Please do some homework before you show up.

You must visit in person to apply for the extension. The extension gives you an additional 30 days on your current entry.

New Location for Extension on Visa Waivers in Bangkok

There is a new location (because of Covid) for the extension of Visa Waivers in Bangkok: IT Square Laksi Plaza, 3rd Floor ( 8.30 am – 4.30 pm)

If you came with SETV to Thailand, then the location to get the visa extension is Chaeng Watthana.

Immigration offices are open Monday-Friday and closed on local holidays.

These locations in Bangkok have changed in the recent past. So make sure to confirm before showing up.

Here is Billy’s experience with Visa Extension in Ayutthaya .

It went quickly (11am Friday). Can do photocopies (3 baht/page) and pictures across the street at a small shop with a camera sticker on the window.

The receptionist at immigration called my hostel, but not sure if actually checking that I was staying or just if it existed.

Then a desk to fill out a few forms – one worker was very helpful and spoke some English. (And had white-out for things like when it said “date” but then the next line had month and year)

Then the office, where I was seen immediately. Around 10 minutes of her doing paperwork, a webcam pic, then you pay and another officer signs off on your passport. Takes up about 1/3 of a page.

(Oh and no problem not having a collar in my photo, I’d read that elsewhere)

Required Documents for Thai Visa Extension

To extend your stay, you will need:

• TM7 Extension of Temporary Stay form -Must include the complete address of your hotel or apartment
• A copy of your passport ID page
• A copy of your entry stamp or a copy of your visa, if you entered with one.
• Thai visa extension photo requirements:- 1 passport photo, 4x6cm
• 1,900฿ fee for extension paid in cash

Some immigration offices can ask for TM30 optionally. Usually they don’t since the hotel has the responsibility to get it for you, although you can do it as well. This can be done online or by visiting the local immigration office. There have been cases where people dug up a screenshot of the filing done by the property manager from phone and business card, and that worked. But don’t count on luck.

All copies must be signed. There’s always a photocopier and a photoshop on-premise or nearby where these can be arranged for a small fee. 

Steps of Getting Thai Visa Extension

The whole procedure to extend Thailand visa is straightforward but it can be time-consuming. Expect to spend 1-2 hours at the immigration office. The fastest I’ve completed an extension was in 30 minutes. 

Grab the TM.7 application form for Thai visa extension. It’s a 2-page form. You can also download TM.7 form here .

Complete the form. You will need to fill in your personal information, no. of requested days, the reason for the extension, address in Thailand etc. Then gather the necessary copies and a photo. Attach your photo to the designated area in the form and sign it.

Hand over your passport and paperwork to receive a queue number.

When your number is called you’ll approach the indicated desk and your photo will be taken. Pay the 1900 THBs at that time- cash only. You’ll be sent away and approximately 5-10 minutes later you’ll be called by your name.

This is when your passport is handed back to you with an extra stamp permitting an additional 30 days of stay. 

Whether you need 3, 13, or all 30 days; the process and the fee remain the same.

Important: Follow The Law

Now some people might be thinking, “Wow! 1900฿,  I only need 2 or 3 more days before I fly out. What if I don’t take the time and pay the money for an extension?”

There is an overstay penalty. Every day past your permission to stay is a 500฿ fine. This is usually discovered at departure. People get caught up, forget, change a flight, etc. You will get a stamp in your passport indicating you overstayed and how much you paid. In the past, if this is an honest mistake and you’ve overstayed a few hours to less than a day, the immigration officials at the airport may waive the fine. How does that happen? Maybe you’ve got a late night or early morning “red-eye” flight.

You arrive at the airport at 23:00 for your 1:30 flight. By the time you check-in and get processed by immigration, it could be after midnight. In this scenario, they are likely to waive the fine.

If you only call it an overstay fine, maybe it doesn’t sound so bad. The truth is you have broken the law. You are illegally staying in Thailand. This is no joke.

So, I would recommend you to get a Thai visa extension if you plan to stay longer.

How was your experience extending your Thai visa?

Let me know in the comments if you have any questions about Thai visa extension. If you want to add something that you experienced, do let me know. Please share if you think it’s useful.

Read More Thai Visa Experiences

• Thailand non-immigrant visa
• 60 Day Thailand Tourist Visa
• Thailand Work Permit Visa
• Thai Visa on Arrival
• 90 Days Report in Thailand
• Thailand Visa in Nepal

Disclaimer: This article may contain affiliate links. Please see my  disclaimer policy  here. The Visa Project would by no means be liable for any purchase of tours, tickets, and any other online reservations that are made with any third-party provider.

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Reader Interactions

April 19, 2021 at 11:43 pm

How many times can a visa exempt traveler (flying in) extend? For example, Thailand is currently allowing a 45 day stay for visa exempt travelers. After that 45 days, one has the option to stay 30 more days. Beyond that, can this same tourist continue to extend without needing a border run, or how would that work?

April 20, 2021 at 4:19 pm

Hi Aaron, After the first 30 day extension, you would need to make a border run. In some situations, you can get 7 more days, but that’s it really.

April 23, 2021 at 4:30 am

Hi again Deb,

Does the exentsion clock begin the day the extension is granted or received?

I have understood that with 15 days remaining, the extension would begin at the end of those 15 days to start the 30 anew (for a total of 45 days remaining). Is this true?

April 23, 2021 at 4:44 pm

Hi Aaron, The regular extension is added to the expiration date of your current stamp so that you wouldn’t lose any days. I you look at the extension pic in the article, you can see the date granted was 27 Mar but the date on the extension is 15 May. So it is a 30 day extension that means, it would actually be counted from 15th April.

October 28, 2021 at 5:17 pm

Hello, Is the limit to only one time 30 days extension for exempt holders still in place? Or can I extend twice 30 days now? In case of a border run, which one is the most convenient at the moment?

October 28, 2021 at 5:40 pm

Hi, You can extend for 30 days only once if you have a SETV. Not happening with exemption these days. The best option is to get a visa.

July 22, 2022 at 5:34 pm

Thanks for this topic hope you can help me. I just extended my visa to onother 30 days . Can i stay for 7 more . Because the reason my flight ticket is more than the i extend.please advice.

July 25, 2022 at 3:46 am

Hi Maricel, You can try the Covid extension for 60 days.

April 6, 2023 at 4:46 am

Hi.. after my 30 day extension visa last March, Ive done a visa run and got another 45 days. Can I have an extension again?

April 6, 2023 at 8:27 pm

Hi Nessa, I don’t see why not.

January 8, 2024 at 7:38 pm

Can you advise me I have a 30 day exempt visa from uk I want another 30 days so I apply at immigration making 60

I then leave for Laos for 30 Can I come back in again on another 30 day exemption. Even though I’m not starting from uk

How many times can I do this in a year?

January 30, 2024 at 3:57 pm

Hi Liz, Yes you can come back and stay and extend for 30 days again. That is fine. As per how many times, that’s always subjective. I would not recommend you to do it more than 4 times in a year but people have done it more than that in the past. Please feel free to read some comments.

Happy travels, Deb

January 2, 2022 at 10:27 am

I’m here in Thailand on a 30 day visa exemption from Australia and my girlfriend’s arrival from the Philippines has been delayed for a month until the 19th Jan. What are my best options? My visa exemption expires on 20th Jan. Also, can “visa agents” in Thailand be trusted? I’ve found some places in Bangkok that come and collect your passport and get your extension for you. Are they to be trusted?

January 22, 2022 at 4:25 pm

Personally, unless I know its a Gov official, NEVER hand over your passport to anyone. Not for a deposit hold, and certainly not for them to run off to do something for you. Go to immigration office yourself and hand them your passport.

July 18, 2022 at 9:57 am

Thank you for the article. Are the Covid extensions for BKK still being done at the Chaengwattana Immigration office or has the location moved to IT Square Laksi? I keep finding conflicting information online and haven’t been able to successfully get through when I call either office. Thank you!

January 27, 2023 at 5:01 am

If I enter before March 31 st…will I get 45 days exemption ?or is it back to 30 days from then

January 27, 2023 at 9:07 pm

Hi Paul, You should get 45 days ideally if you enter before 31st March.

March 16, 2023 at 4:49 am

Hello…is there a limit to the number of times you can apply for a 30 day visa extension at immigration office (arrival by 45 day tourist visa exemption).

May 6, 2021 at 6:03 am

Is it possible to extend into the STV if you came in on a 45 visa exemption?

Great article, really easy to follow.

May 6, 2021 at 4:21 pm

Hi Tom, Yes, you can extend for 30 more days after the 45 days of visa exemption.

May 23, 2021 at 12:50 pm

Hi Deb, is there an official website where inmigration show this information? I am not able to find it.

Just landed on your site looking for quick info, but it seems you provide consistent support. So great, thank you so much.

May 23, 2021 at 4:30 pm

Hi Toño, Unfortunately, the document that contained info was in Thai and the link to that document is not working right now. But you can still refer to the US embassy update on this: https://th.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/covid-19-information/ . Go to Entry and Exit requirements. US embassy updates the info frequently.

And thank you for your kind words.

April 21, 2022 at 2:45 pm

Hello. Is it possible to get a 60 day extension on my 30 VOA ( from UK); paying 1,900 baht?

Additionally, am correct in thinking this will finish near the end of May. Thanks.

April 24, 2022 at 6:33 am

Hi John, You can get the 30-day and then the 60-day extension. As per the current updates, yes, it is supposed to run until May.

July 9, 2021 at 7:49 pm

Where did you get the information that you can extend a visa exemption for 45 days (rather than 30)? – I can find this nowhere other than your website

July 10, 2021 at 8:29 am

Hi Roy, Thank you for pointing it out. The 45 days applies to stay and not extension. I have rectified it. You can look at the info on 45 days stay on the website of the Thai embassy in the US .

May 16, 2023 at 3:26 pm

I have a friend who went to Thailand on January 25, 2023. He continues to extend his stay every month for 30 + days. Can you tell me what Visa does he has in place.

May 26, 2023 at 10:35 am

Wish I knew. Why wouldn’t your friend tell you? 🙂

May 18, 2021 at 10:54 pm

Is the COVID extension policy still in effect (60 day extension) ? I came to Thailand on exemption visa from US (45 days) but like to use the COVID 19 extension to get additional 60 days, is that possible? Thanks

May 19, 2021 at 5:51 am

Hi Gilbert, Yes, the 60-day extension for the COVID program is now valid until May 29th. So if your stamp runs out before May 29th, you can apply for a 60-day extension. Although I must mention that in some immigration offices, they would ask you to apply for the 30 days extension first. In some, they would allow you to take the 60-days COVID extension straightaway.

August 31, 2021 at 9:48 am

If i applied for the 60 days extension after the 45 days visa exemption, is that mean that i need to apply for a new insurance also for another 60days?

May 27, 2021 at 5:01 am

Thanks, Rolando Ngabidj for thevisaproject.com

May 28, 2021 at 9:48 pm

Hi Deb, Why is it that people from the countries you listed have to extend only for 7 days despite the fact that the normal is 30-days.? In case if the covid 19 extension is extended after 29th may, is everyone eligible to get that? I am Nigerian planning to come with SETV for tourism. I also learnt that there is this special tourist visa (STV) which gives permission to stay up to 90-days with possible extension of another 90-days if the traveler enter thailand before 01 July, 2021. As a Nigerian, am I eligible to apply for the STV? Thank you for your nice article

May 30, 2021 at 2:18 pm

Hi Ameer, Unfortunately, that’s how it is. The rules are different for different nationalities. I would say yes, everyone would be eligible for the COVID extension.

And Nigerians are not eligible to apply Thai STV as of now.

April 17, 2022 at 6:12 pm

Hi, as per my information you can get a covid extention cisa till 26th May, 2022. Are Pakistani citizens also eligible to get this extention? If yes, what is the procedure? Thanks in advance.

April 20, 2022 at 4:33 am

Hi Zia, I am not sure if Pakistani citizens can get it. If they can, the process will be the same. You can give it a try and update us. It would be helpful to others.

February 2, 2024 at 2:30 pm

Hi Deb I have received a 60 day SETV commencing at the end of this month February. My return flight is for 89 later. I do plan on visiting Cambodia (flight) for 7 or 10 days as part of my trip. Do I need to go to an immigration office to extend my visa by 30 days or will having my visa stamped on reentry suffice? How would you recommend timing my visit to Cambodia in relation to the 60 day SETV? Thanks in advance.

February 6, 2024 at 1:54 pm

Hi Kevin, Yes, you do need to visit the immigration office for the extension. The best time to leave and visit Cambodia would be when the end of your extension is close. I always recommend to leave at least 4 or 5 days before it ends.

All the best, Deba

June 2, 2021 at 4:13 pm

Hi, I like to stay a year or two if when I go meet girl and maybe stay while K1 visa is processing am US retired military 20 years and disabled rated veteran not that, that matters some countries off retire plan.

June 15, 2021 at 12:13 pm

When i have a flight date on my departure card and i get my visa extention. Do they issue a new departure card with a new flight date or will i still keep the old card and just change my flight? Will there be a problem when my flight date is not the same like the one on my departure card?

June 15, 2021 at 3:19 pm

Hi Tom, You can keep the old card and simply change the flight. No issues.

June 29, 2021 at 7:36 am

there is no 45 day extension , your terminology is also completely incorrect (arrive on a waiver then extend your visa , also there are NO BORDER runs , land borders are closed)

July 1, 2021 at 12:53 pm

I would disagree with you. Do you have any sources to back it up?

You can look at the info on 45 days extension on the website of the Thai embassy in the US .

July 10, 2021 at 4:16 pm

Sorry about my earlier comment Darren. I actually meant 45 days stay, not a 45-day extension. The article has been rectified.

June 30, 2021 at 6:54 am

Hi Deb.I need your help some information I have a stamp visa and it has been renewed covid visa and it will expire on 25th August after this what can I do next? Can I still extend the time? Or do I have to run of boarders and exit to neighbouring countries?I need your advice Appreciated

July 1, 2021 at 12:46 pm

Hi Za, If you have only had the COVID extension, then you will still be eligible for the normal extension without making a border run.

July 4, 2021 at 11:04 pm

Hi am from Tanzania , Am asking my Visa Expires 11 August, I came with 60 days Tourist Visa, is it possible to extend 45 days or is just 30 only?

July 5, 2021 at 11:10 am

Hi Mussa, You will be able to extend for 30 days since you came with a visa.

July 8, 2021 at 8:47 pm

Thanks for your article. 2 Questions:

– How can one do a border run when it seems most (if not all) nearby borders are closed?

– After extending a tourist visa for 30 days, can it be extended again for another 30 days, and then another after that?

July 9, 2021 at 1:06 pm

Hi Patrick, Yes, most borders are closed. But why do you need to make one now, considering the fact that you can get the COVID extension?

– You can get only one 30-day extension (which is 45 now if you entered visa-exempt) but more than one COVID extension as long as they are giving them out. In a pre-Covid world, you could get only one 30-day extension and make border runs.

July 12, 2021 at 3:43 pm

If I enter Thailand with the visa exemption program (no visa), I can extend it twice for a total of 90 days I believe. My question is how do I stay in the country longer? I want to stay for nine months, but the STV is proving painfully annoying to get. Can I enter Thailand on the visa exemption program and then apply for a new visa in-country? Or is there a way I can renew with the COVID extension over and over again? Probably not right?

Hoping you can shed some light on this.

July 13, 2021 at 8:34 am

Hi Oliver, I understand your frustration over the STV. If you plan to stay longer, you can enter as visa-exempt, then get the COVID extensions as long as they are in place and then get regular extensions. So that way, you get 75 days for sure(45 days when you enter and 30 when you extend). And you can get more than one COVID extension. People have received multiple COVID extensions. With every COVID extension you get, you add 60 days.

July 12, 2021 at 7:41 pm

Dear Deb, your site is the most informative one that I have browsed about Thailand visa. I have a question I wish you could help. I came in Thailand with a visa exempt entry ( US passport holder). Could I apply for a tourist visa inside Thailand? Appreciate very much your reply. Thanks again.

July 13, 2021 at 5:08 am

Hi GZ, Thank you for your kind words. Since you have entered visa-exempt, you can get the extensions(regular and Covid) while you are inside Thailand. But in order to get a tourist visa like SETV/METV, you would need to go to a Thai embassy. You can’t get it inside Thailand.

July 13, 2021 at 4:57 pm

Thanks deb for your reply. Understand now. Really appreciate your help.

July 16, 2021 at 8:56 am

How long do you think the 60-Day Covid-19 Extensions might be available to people?

The latest I’ve found online is “probably until late September”, but who knows? Not me!

I’m NOT trying to “trap” you into making a promise about the future, that you of course have no power over. You’re not in charge of Thai immigration law, and I’m not trying to “trick” you into pretending that you are.

But still, I’m very curious as to what you’re EXPECTING will happen, especially in the context of this “Covid Delta strain” situation that Thailand (and many other countries) appears to definitely be in today (middle July 2021).

(I’m not in Thailand yet, but thinking about coming, as a regular nobody-special USA tourist, through the 14-day ASQ quarantine thing, and hopefully for as much stay-time as I can get.)

July 16, 2021 at 4:30 pm

Hi Rocco, My gut feeling is that it would probably be in place until the end of this year and definitely until the end of September. Things are evolving with the Delta strain.

I sometimes wonder if there is anyone in charge of Thai immigration laws. Maybe many of us do. 🙂

July 26, 2021 at 6:25 am

Hi for covid – 19 extension visa can apply online or should go at the Thai immigration in person as the cases right now is a lot!

July 27, 2021 at 4:49 pm

Hi Joan, In some of the immigration offices, they are already accepting limited applicants. And in some places, they are asking you to contact them before coming down. But there is no online application process till now.

August 5, 2021 at 12:14 pm

How far in advance of your visa expiration date can you apply for the 60 day covid extension?

August 6, 2021 at 3:25 pm

Hi Tony, While different immigration offices interpret things differently, the consensus is that if you are getting the COVID extension for the first time, it would start the day you apply. So if you apply too soon, you would lose a few days. But I guess you should apply at least a week before.

From the second time onwards, the 60 days would be added to your existing extension of stay.

August 18, 2021 at 7:50 am

Which office in Bangkok deals with 30 day extension to the 45 day visa? and I assume I can download the forms so I can fill out my paperwork before I go to save time?

August 18, 2021 at 3:31 pm

The immigration office in Bangkok. You can find the exact address from the link in Where to extend section. Yes, you can download the form .

August 25, 2021 at 6:31 am

I read all comments and answers.

US Passport holder still in America. 36yrs old. Wanna stay in Thailand for 6 months. Should I go Visa Exempt and do the standard extension and Covid extension OR Apply for a Visa here in Los Angeles and then go for extensions in Thailand. If Yes to Visa what other visas are good options besides the 60 days tourist visa ? Thx a lot.

August 25, 2021 at 3:01 pm

Hi Weekii, The first option is pretty popular these days. Even if you manage to get one COVID extension, you can get 135 days, like 4 and half months. And maybe you could get more than one COVID extension which means definitely more than 6 months.

August 29, 2021 at 6:08 am

Sorry to bother you again. I called the Thai embassy here in Los Angeles and I was told by the person on the phone If I go to Thailand without any tourist visa just my US Visa exempt passport the immigration office in Thailand can’t give me the standard extension since I have no visa to extend. What do you think ?

August 30, 2021 at 4:18 pm

Hi Weekii, If they have stopped giving them out, in that case, you could come with a SETV or METV.

September 4, 2021 at 7:26 am

Questions about the 60 days Covid extension:

1) My immigration office is Jomtien Pattaya. They gave me a TM 7 and few other docs to fill in, but no TM 30. Is it normal? Do I need to fill in a TM 30 online?

2) My current tourist visa ends on september 15th. My lease agreement from my condo ends on september 13th. I may move from my condo. Is it a problem ? I will fill the documents for the 60 days covid extension this week and put my current address on them. But if I move, that would mean that technically, I wouldn’t be living at the address I notified to immigration after september 13th. Is it then safer to stay at my current place?

Thank you so much

September 5, 2021 at 2:58 pm

Hi Aurélien, 1. It is totally normal. TM30 is a requirement for the 90 days report. 2. It would definitely be a safer option to continue in your current place. But it is possible to do what you are saying, especially when it is in the same province. People have done it.

September 5, 2021 at 10:22 pm

Thank you so much for this piece, very informative!

Is there any news about the grant of Covid extension beyond September 27th? Can we expect that it would be forthcoming?

September 7, 2021 at 10:04 am

Hi Karen, We can definitely expect it. 🙂 Will update the article the moment I know.

September 9, 2021 at 4:19 pm

Hi Deb, Great website, thx a lot for all the info! I have a few questions if you don’t mind. At the moment the visa waiver of 45 days is planned to come back to 30 days at the end of the month, do you think it will be prolonged seeing the current situation? And if yes, when should we expect an official announcement? I’ve read that foreigners entering Thailand under the visa exemption category must provide at the port of entry proof of onward travel to leave Thailand within 30 days of the arrival date (or 45 if prolonged). Now, I’m planning to extend my stay once there but can I buy a ticket with a return date that already includes my extended stay (so after 60 or 75 days)? May I tell them I intend to extend my stay of another 30 days and this is the reason of the return date or they are not flexible on this? Thx a lot!

September 10, 2021 at 11:58 am

Hi Masha, It might get prolonged. We never know what kind of surprises the pandemic has for us. Hard to guess.

I believe you should always have an onward ticket in Asia. And yes, people have been in trouble for this in Thailand. You don’t need to buy one really. You can rent one easily, for as low as 10-15$. And I would recommend buying it within 30 days of your arrival date. Much safer.

Here is my article on the onward ticket: https://thevisaproject.com/blog/tips/10-ways-for-onward-travel-proof/ And the website if you want to jump there directly: https://thevisaproject.com/recommends/visa-reservation/

September 10, 2021 at 6:38 am

Hi Deb, the info on this website is so helpful and you have put in a lot of effort to reply people who really want to get back to Thailand. Thank you so much. I would like to confirm that a Singapore passport visa exemption (45days) can be issued with an extension of 30days. Because I called up the Thai embassy in Singapore and the person told me that visa exemption cannot be extended.

How true is this? Thanks!

September 11, 2021 at 5:25 am

Hi Del, Thank you for your kind words. I have been recently hearing the same from a few sources. However, there is no confirmed report whether they have stopped giving these 30-day extensions to everyone forever or to some nationalities. So I think a SETV would be a better idea for getting an extension. I would add a note in the article on this.

September 13, 2021 at 9:34 am

Hi Deb, i have question about the exemption visa, i will go Thailand in october with exemption visa, it will be only for 30 days in october😓. Do you know if it will be possible to extend for 30 more days in immigration there? With all the new things with covid i m not sure 😅. Thank you very much 🙏

September 13, 2021 at 12:28 pm

Hi Jo, I doubt it. Have been hearing reports that it is not a thing anymore, although we don’t know if it is for all the nationalities. So a visa would be better if you want the 30-day extension.

September 20, 2021 at 10:46 pm

This isn’t supposed to be negative but I felt there was a little bit of incorrect information here advising others…. whenever I have had the 30 day extension at immigration, the date never runs on from your sate of expiry but commences from the day you attend.

ie…. If you attend the immigration office 7 days before your visa expires then you lose the 7 days, as the commence date is from the date you attend. So I usually go there 2 days before the visa end date, as generally unless there’s been changes, I am aware of what I need to take, being my pport, copy of pport page, copy of visa page showing the TM6, both copies signed and a pport sized photo with 1900 Baht.

Visa runs ‘did’ give an additional 60 days upon entering back in to Thailand NOT 7 days as previously mentioned on this thread by somebody.

Anyway just wanted to put this out there to avoid misinformation to others etc. 🙂👍

I have a 60 day tourist visa and yesterday went to get an extension and rather than a 30 day, I was given a ‘Covid’ 60 day extension.

Hope this info might be of interest to some peeps… Have an awesome day!

November 19, 2021 at 6:11 am

This is definitely also what I was told today. As soon as you get that extension, you lose the remaining days that you would originally have had!

November 20, 2021 at 8:31 am

I was today at the temporary center , counter K, to renew my visa waiver (=visa exemption, w 30) and I requested 30 days more. The 30 days they stamped started from when the visa waiver will end. Smooth procedure, now (as of 20 nov. 2021) they are also open on Saturdays and I was there just after lunch break (1 pm), no queue at all.

Here the link https://bangkok.immigration.go.th/en/ตม-1-เปิดจุดให้บริการเพิ-2/

Super friendly!I read on google maps some bad reviews and was prepared for the worse but my experience was perfect. As a reason I just put I wanted to do more traveling in Thailand.

August 11, 2022 at 9:30 am

The link is not working anymore, but the new location is at the IT Square Mall in Lak Si (3rd floor)

September 21, 2021 at 5:06 pm

Hi, i’ll be going to bangkok by Visa exemption this November and I’m wondering if i could apply for a visa extension of 60 days once i arrive in bangkok?

September 22, 2021 at 4:42 pm

Hi Val, I don’t think so. I would recommend you to come with a visa.

October 15, 2021 at 7:19 pm

Hi Deb, After dealing with a Thai based travel agency while planning my visit this site and comment section has been very helpful. It seems you ard advising against the visa exempt and instead go with a TR visa which can then be extended for a total of 90 days. I am interested in staying longer and possibly applying for an Education visa. Can I apply for an Education visa if I arrive on a TR visa? I am looking to travel from Mexico City early November with a US passport. Or, what would you recommend if I want to stay for 6-12 months? Thank you for any suggestions.

October 23, 2021 at 6:05 pm

Hi Tom, I would recommend coming on a tourist visa and then extending it in Thailand. If you can get one Covid extension and a regular one, that will give you more or less 6 months. To Convert the tourist visa to an education visa, you need to make a visa run. Probably get an ed visa before coming down?

October 26, 2021 at 11:58 am

I was contacting phuket language school with this question and they said because of the pandemic situation, I can convert tourists visa to ED visas without leaving the country.

October 26, 2021 at 5:51 pm

Thanks for updating Martin. Hope everything goes well.

October 15, 2021 at 7:38 pm

Hi Deb, If I arrive on a TR visa and extend for a total of 90 days can I apply for a longer term visa? I am thinking about an Education or other long term visa if possible. My plan is to arrive in BKK in early November from Mexico City on my US passport. Any rumors about border immigration offices opening for ‘visa runs’ in the near future? Thank you for any suggestions or recommrndations.

October 23, 2021 at 6:06 pm

No such rumors yet. Thai immigration loves surprising people. 🙂

October 18, 2021 at 7:22 am

Hi Darren. Great article. Thank you very much. I am fully vaccinated against covid-19 British citizen currently in Turkey on a visit for a month. I would like to travel from Istanbul to Bangkok early November 2021. The PM of Thailand announced that there will be no quarantine from fully vaccinated visitors from low risk countries. I am not clear whether I need to quarantine or not? With the visa exempt program am I allowed to stay 30 or 45 days? Can I apply for visa extension on arrival? Many thanks for your help

October 19, 2021 at 12:25 pm

Hi there I am fully vaccinated against covid-19 British citizen currently in Turkey on a visit for a month. I would like to travel from Istanbul to Bangkok early November 2021. The PM of Thailand announced that there will be no quarantine from fully vaccinated visitors from low risk countries. I am not clear whether I need to quarantine or not? With the visa exempt program am I allowed to stay 30 or 45 days? Can I apply for visa extension on arrival? Many thanks for your help

October 23, 2021 at 6:12 pm

Hi Dr Saleh, You have not mentioned your nationality. Can not really say unless I know that.

October 20, 2021 at 12:55 pm

I have a return ticket to Thailand departing Spain 15 Dec 21 returning 9 March 22. I am a UK citizen resident in Spain. I want to enter Thailand on a Visa Exempt for 30 days and then change to one or two 30 days tourist visas or one of 60. Can you advise me of easiest options. Thanks David

October 23, 2021 at 6:10 pm

Hi David, I would recommend getting a single entry or multiple entry visa and not coming as visa-exempt if you want to stay longer.

October 21, 2021 at 1:39 am

Hi Deb First of all, your site is off tremendous value. Thank you so much for that. My question is about the return flight, the flight number we need to show on the TM6. Do I show the return flight # I currently have, (that departure date was based on my first 30 days), when applying for an extension or do I need to change my onward flight first, based on expecting another 30 days? The answer to this question is very important to me, as it is costly to actually change the plane ticket before I really know when my actual departure date will be after applying for the extension. Thanks in advance

October 23, 2021 at 5:58 pm

Hi Christian, Thank you for your kind words. I believe here is the answer you are looking for: https://thevisaproject.com/experience/thailand/thai-visa-extension/#comment-1647

October 24, 2021 at 1:34 am

Thanks and yeah, I saw that, yet not totally sure on how to proceed. Basically, I should leave my current real return ticket back to Toronto (am Canadian), based on the first 30 days, alone for now, and get a cheap onward ticket that shows me leaving after 30 or 60 days of extension? I hope to get this Covid extension, so I just go for 60 days and see what happens? Would that be the way to go, even if they give me only 30 days extension?

October 26, 2021 at 5:56 pm

They will give you 30 days even if you get the Covid extension. You can get a cheap ticket or rent one. Ideally, the date on the ticket should be before your visa ends, not the extension.

July 4, 2022 at 9:32 pm

Hi Christian I’m coming in from the United States so I get the free 30 days is it possible to extend another 30 days with A TM 7 form i thailand??

October 31, 2021 at 12:10 am

Great article! Thank you for providing so much information on the Visa process for Thailand.

My partner and I (both British Nationals) have been on a working holiday visa in New Zealand (not official residents) for the past 20 months and are planning on flying to Thailand at the end of November.

We’re currently stuck between two visa options:-

1) Is it possible to arrive in Thailand for 30 days on a Visa-exempt entry, and then apply for the 30 day extension once in the country. We already have both flights booked in and out of Thailand (for the duration of the 60 days), and were planning on renting a ticket as proof of our outward journey for the 30 day exemption. Do you know if this extension is still available?

2) Our other option is the Single Entry 60 day Tourist Visa (SETV). Do you have any insight into processing times and how easy it is to apply for? We are finding some difficulties in choosing correct documentation- despite being out of the UK for 20 months, we are still citizens and official residents there, whilst our most up to date documentation e.g. bank statements, are from NZ.

What are your thoughts on our options?

Many thanks in advance, keep up the awesome work!

October 31, 2021 at 5:40 pm

Hi James, Thank you for the kind words. I would highly recommend option number 2. You can apply for the SETV in NZ. It is pretty fast. Here is the info: https://wellington.thaiembassy.org/th/publicservice/17614-applying-for-a-visa . Do check out the doc checklist.

This is what you would need for sure: a valid letter of recommendation from your educational institute or employer with the application.

November 8, 2021 at 8:33 am

Hi Deb Your highlighted section “Many expats have recently reported …” scared the hell out of me, as that was about to destroy my plans. I googled and googled, but couldn’t find anything to support that. I think you should remove that, unless you got details of why that happened to those. It is needlessly very worrisome! And here is why: Am Canadian and arrived Phuket Oct.14 with the Visa Waiver and got a stamp for Nov.12 (29 days only for some reason). I was there today in Bangkok, Nov.08, and got a new stamp for Dec.12. I talked to the handful of people there, while waiting, but none had any worries of getting the extension. By the way. The link for the Immigration Devision 1 in Bangkok you are showing is only good for real visas. There is a new location (because of Covid) for extension of Visa Waivers, where I was today. See this link: https://bangkok.immigration.go.th/en/courses/counter-k-limited-at-300-queues-per-day/

Question: If the 60 day Covid Extension stays as it is until November 26, then I must go there before that (in about 16 to 18 days from now), right? Haha, basically just answered my own question, but it is always good to hear you confirming that.

Thanks a lot

November 8, 2021 at 4:19 pm

Hi Christian, Thank you very much for the update. I guess that the Thai embassies in various countries are being ambiguous about the whole thing. I will update the article with your comment.

Coming to your question, you can surely apply for the COVID extension before 26 Nov. Usually people go a week before the extension expires. I guess the COVID extension thing will continue after this, but who knows!!

March 14, 2022 at 9:16 am

Fino al 24 marzo

July 8, 2022 at 1:44 pm

Hi Deb, I went to the immigration in Bangkok to apply for the 60 day covid extend but was told I had to get the normal 30 day extension first. I plan to return before the 25th when the covid extension May expire but I was told I need a letter from embassy to get the covid extension. I looked on the US embassy website and it states thai immigration doesn’t need a letter and the US embassy does not issue such letters. Do you know anything about this? Also I want to stay in Thailand as long as I can. Can you give me any information on how to do border runs? Thanks so much.

July 10, 2022 at 9:06 am

Hi Lance, yes, you need to get the normal extension first. As per the letter, you can show the screenshot from US embassy website or even email them and get a response that they don’t provide any such letters. That would be good enough in most cases. Stay longer in Thailand: https://thevisaproject.com/experience/thailand/thailand-long-stay-visa-and-restrictions/

October 12, 2022 at 9:14 am

Hi guys, I’m arriving in Thailand on Oct 25th. If you do the visa on arrival do you know the maximum time you can stay? Its very unclear. Thanks

October 12, 2022 at 2:30 pm

Hi Chris, What’s your nationality? Visa on arrival is for 30 days now, but visa-free entry is for 45 days. It all depends on where you are from.

May 6, 2023 at 10:22 pm

And of course that link doesn’t exist!

November 12, 2021 at 12:18 pm

Thanks a lot for your information, just wanted to share my recent experience that may help answering recent comments. I have a French passport so i guess my experience may apply to EU citizens at least.

I entered Thailand on the 26th of September with a 45 days visa exemption using the Koh Samui sandbox program (back then you could get 45 days, but quarantine was 7 days strict + 7 days relax , with possibility to visit the island)

I then moved to Phuket and on the 4th of November (4 days before my visa exemption last day), I went to the main immigration office and applied for a Covid extension (TM7 + 2 other forms+1 document from hotel where I stay – TM-30 I think) The process is a described except that I was told to come back 1 week later to get my final stamp. I went back on the 11th and got a 60 days extension.

At least for Phuket (there were dozens of foreigners inside and outside the immigration office), I think it’s very easy to get an extension, from exemption or actual visa. Just block a day to do the first part (took me 5 hours).

November 16, 2021 at 9:22 am

thai embassy london has lost my application forms.say not time to do again.i come thailand for 45 days from 29 november.can i fly in for 30 days then get 15 days extra at thai immigration.thank you and hope to hear from you soon.

November 17, 2021 at 2:56 am

Based on the two stories (comments) before yours, your question has already been answered 🙂

November 19, 2021 at 6:09 am

Hi everyone,

I would like to share my personal experience with immigration regarding the ”Special 60-Day Covid Extension on a Thai Visa”. [Apologies if some of these things have already been mentioned by others.]

The first thing that immigration told me that this is NOT an extension of an existing visa – in my case a student visa – but an entirely new visa, i.e. the ”Covid visa”. Since you cannot hold two visas simultaneously, the first thing I had to do was to cancel my student visa. I assume this is relevant knowledge for those with a student and work visa….

I am not going to get into detail about the documents I needed to cancel my student visa, because this is a whole different story. But many of the documents overlapped with those required for my Covid visa.

Anyways, for the Covid visa I was asked to show:

-TM7 form -passport -copy of passport pages: main/first page, visa page, first + last entry page. (Hence, I just copied every single page of my passport that had anything Thai on it. Immigration liked that.) -TM6 (arrival/departure card) -copy of TM6 -rental contract that is no less than the 60 days that you are applying for. For example, if Immigration sees that your rental contract is about to end in a couple of days or weeks, they will most likely not give you the Covid visa for 60 days. Some may not give you a Covid visa at all. -copy of rental contract -copy of tabien baan of your landlord -copy of Thai ID of your landlord -1 photo

[I always suggest to make double or even triple coloured copies of all your documents before going to Immigration, because you never know…]

I don’t know how this is for those of you who live far away from Bangkok, but since I am based next door in Nakhon Pathom, I was informed that my Covid visa application would be sent to Chaeng Watthana in Bangkok. Huge bummer, because the people working there are something else, as I’m sure some of you may have already experienced.

I wish all of you the best of luck and success in getting the chance to stay in Thailand a bit longer.

Bless you all and stay safe!

November 20, 2021 at 6:15 am

Thank you, J very much for sharing the details for people with student/work visas.

June 15, 2022 at 6:46 am

Hello and thank you so much for your comment. I arrived without Visa and extended one time already. So after reading this I suppose it’s possible to get the covid visa to stay even longer? I would love to stay 30 more days.

June 16, 2022 at 5:50 am

Yes it is possible Torge.

November 21, 2021 at 12:16 pm

Me and my partner are on different visas (60 day tourist visa and 30 day visa exempt) can both be extended one time prior to the covid extensions.

Basically we both are a bit ill and will miss the covid deadline for extending, so will extend at the beginning of the month – both our first time to be extended and only want a one time 30 day extension and just wondering if thats possible?

November 22, 2021 at 1:17 pm

Hi Natalia, Yes, it is possible.

November 23, 2021 at 3:11 am

Hi Deb As mentioned earlier, I got my 30 day extension on my 30 day Visa Waiver at the new location north of Immigration Division 1. Reading the comment from J on November 19, would you happen to know at which location the Covid Visa extension, which I want to get this week before that special expires, is available? If I understood J’s comment right, the new location seems to be just for the 30 day extension on Visa waivers, correct? As always, your reply means a lot. Thanks in a advance Chris

November 23, 2021 at 5:24 pm

Hi Christian, Great to know. Yes, J is right about that. All the best.

November 25, 2021 at 7:35 am

Actually, we misunderstood J’s comment or it is different for other Visas than Visa Waivers. I went to Immigration Division 1 today, only to be send once again to Counter K in the new location. Got the 60 day Covid Visa extension – so happy. Would have not been possible without your website here, which is so very helpful.

November 28, 2021 at 7:34 am

Hi Christian, I am also looking to get a 30 day extension on my 30 day visa waiver. Could you help me please, did they ask you to show proof of accommodation for the 30 extended days? Like a hotel booking or rental contract? Also could you share the immigration office location please? Thank you, George

December 5, 2021 at 2:50 pm

Hi George. Very sorry for super late reply. Since I got all my extensions, I had no reason to check this site and just happen to see your questions now. Please look at my earlier comment, where you can see the link for the new location for Visa Waiver extensions. And they do not need a proof of your hotel booking. I just made sure that I do have a reservation (not yet paid for) with my hotel to cover the extended time, just in case they check (I don’t know if they do or not). The only documents you need are listed at the top of this webpage.

November 23, 2021 at 11:19 pm

Hi there I have booked up for 6th December and will be coming on 30 day visa when I arrive. My return flight is 27th January 22 days after my 30 days are up. Can I go straight to a visa shop and get an extension to that date? Amd also is it better to wait 1 week befour I want to extend or can I go and extend it the day after I arrive thanks very much.

November 28, 2021 at 10:19 am

Hi Tom, I think you are coming with a visa-exempt entry. You would need to apply for the extension a few days before your exit date, ideally a week.

December 23, 2021 at 5:16 am

You don’t need to wait to apply for the 30 day extension. I’ve always done it early whenever it was convenient.

November 25, 2021 at 7:56 am

HI, all good Info thank you and all understood, I will be going for 1 month from 1 Dec and hope to get a 60 day extension.

I have one question I have bought a return ticket for 1 month it is a changeable ticket (paid extra) will the Authorities accept that I will I have to show a defined date as proof ? thank’s in advance for any answer.

November 28, 2021 at 10:23 am

Hi Roy, They would accept it I believe.

November 26, 2021 at 4:56 am

Hi Deb If anyone is in Krabi Town , I just extended my stay today and it was the easiest and quickest extension I have done in thailand I was in and out within 15 minutes.

December 1, 2021 at 6:48 am

Hi Kyle, I arrived on 17th Nov on 30 days visa exemption (UK passport). I wish to extend my visa for 30 days- when I came under Test & Go scheme they asked for insurance, hotel laccomodation and what not. Do I have to provide these for extension also? -Sonny

November 30, 2021 at 11:36 am

Hello. I have EU passport and I’ve arrived with VISA exepmtion for 30 days. For extension, apart from passport pic, passport copy and TM30 form, do I need something else?

December 1, 2021 at 5:27 am

Hi, yes I also am wondering the same as Ray. Do they ask you to show proof of accommodation for the 30/60 extended days? Like a hotel booking or rental contract? Also could you share the immigration office location please? Thank you, George

December 6, 2021 at 3:25 am

Hi, I entered Thailand from Germany on October 1st with a 60 day Tourist Visa and extended it for 30 days to december 30th. I will exit Thailand to Cambodia on December 11. On January 11. I want to go back to Thailand again, without a Visa. How long will I be allowed to stay? 30 days again or less, since I already spent so much time in Thailand in the year 2021. Thx

December 14, 2021 at 3:27 am

Hi Peter, Yes you should get 30 days again.

December 7, 2021 at 7:51 am

Thanks for all the info. My understanding is that the Covid extension application has been extended until 25 Jan 2022. I entered with visa exemption on 21 Nov. Can I extend first for 30 days (til 21 Jan), then apply for the 60 days (so taking me up until roughly 21 March)?

December 14, 2021 at 3:21 am

Hi Denise, Yes, it has been extended. You surely can do that.

December 7, 2021 at 10:48 pm

Hi Deb – Thank you so much for your article and for addressing all of the comments, it is truly very helpful.

I am a US citizen and am planning to get a SETV. I am leaving in January and ideally would like to stay in Thailand for 4 months (120 days). It sounds like the SETV grants a stay for 60 days and then I can go to an immigration office for a 30 day extension but I am wondering the best option, if possible, to get another 30 days. Any insight would be greatly appreciated!

December 14, 2021 at 3:20 am

Hi Olivia, Thanks for your kind words. If you manage to get a COVID extension, you would surely get more than 4 months with the SETV. But since that is not totally sure, you would need to do a border run.

December 8, 2021 at 4:55 pm

Hi, I extended my visa from Chiang mai immigration today. The office is close to the airport. The process was simple but few things I would want to mention: – Make sure you have the photos with you. Photocopies can be done there for 1 THB each. You will also need your TM6 form which you got from immigration when you arrived. – The process should take an hour. But only if you arrive before 10:30 or after 2. If you arrive around 11, then you may have to wait like me as they break for lunch around 1. So if you are late you might well come around 2 when all morning applications have been processed. Fee is 1900 THB. You will get 30 days extension. I arrived from UK on 17th November and got 30 days visa on arrival. That is now extended till 15th Jan. Documents needed: – Copy of passport, TM6 slip, Visa. One photo required. Forms are available there so you need to fill three forms, not one. Ask for all three forms.

December 9, 2021 at 3:50 am

I will be arriving December 15th from the USA. Am I limited to 30 days or 45 days? If it is 30 days then where can I get an extention near Sukhumvit? Thanks in advance.

December 9, 2021 at 5:05 am

If arrival thailand 30 days visa exemption ,can extend one time. how about change to another visa? e.g working visa or student visa this is possible?

December 12, 2021 at 2:58 am

Hi Guys, I will arrive to Thailand on the 18th of December on a single-entry tourist visa. The longest I am allowed to stay is 60, so I will leave on the 9th of February. Am i allowed to extend my visa once in Thailand? And can I extend it like during the first two weeks of my stay? Or should I wait to last days? Thank you

December 13, 2021 at 6:28 pm

Hi Daniel, You can do it a week or two before the visa expires. The days are added to your current stamp, not from the date you apply for an extension. So, you won’t be losing any days. If you go during the first 2 weeks of your stay, it is possible that they’ll ask you to come back later. But you can give it a try.

December 20, 2021 at 1:36 am

I’m planning on getting a 60 day tourist visa and to convert it to an ed visa. But technically you just pay to extend the 60 day 30 days, then after 90 days is up you can currently extend again and again for 60 days each time due to covid for the year? Am I correct?

December 21, 2021 at 2:52 am

Hi David, Yes, you are correct.

December 30, 2021 at 4:30 am

Hi, Where and how do you apply for a COVID extension? Also, how long is the extension? Thanks.

December 22, 2021 at 8:44 am

Do children who are 12 and under need to apply to get the 30 day and the 60 day extension? Or are the automatically ok if the parents only?

December 24, 2021 at 7:23 pm

Good evening, we just got our visa on arrival (visa exemption) 30-day stamp extended for another 30 days. Easy peasy process in Bangkok, in and out in an hour with the right documents (thank you so much for all your information!!!). Do you know if it is still possible to get another extension after this one or if it’s wise to try it? Should we rather try the COVID extension? We were planning on going to Singapore or Malaysia after this but with the current situation we may be stuck here a while and are not sure what the best way is to stay in the country. Change the visa? (here with the whole family and 2 little kids, so not sure if a change in visa makes sense?).

December 25, 2021 at 11:29 pm

Hi Anna, You would need to try and get the COVID extension, as you have already received the normal extension. No need to change the visa which might not even be possible. 🙂

December 26, 2021 at 2:31 am

I arrived on December 18th on a visa waiver, so up to Jan 17th. I’d like to stay as long as possible – I’m wondering if I should get the normal extension or a Covid extension. If I get the normal one, that should see me through to Feb 16th or so, but the covid extension might be over by then.

I wonder if I have to get the normal one first, or if I can get the covid one first, can I get the normal one later. I’m also wondering if I get the normal, could I get the covid one right away? I’m in Chiang Mai, but I could travel if it helps to get a longer stay.

December 26, 2021 at 5:11 am

Thanks for all the great information on your website, very grateful to have a resource like this. I came here on the 30 day visa waiver. Just been to immigration and extended for 30 days.

Can you tell me how many times, I can keep extending by 30 days?

Thanks Grant

December 27, 2021 at 4:50 pm

Hi Grant, The 30-day extension is one time only. The COVID extension can be done more than once.

December 26, 2021 at 2:59 pm

Does it matter what you put as answer in “Reason for extension” section? Would “tourism” suffice for example?

December 27, 2021 at 5:55 pm

Yes, it would.

January 5, 2022 at 7:07 am

I just was told that I need to reapply for my Thai Visa (I am an American citizen, flying from America). I will not receive my Visa in time, my flight leaves for Thailand in less than 14 days and it takes 15 business days to process the visa. I will be in Thailand for 42 days total. Is there a way to still travel to Thailand without a visa? Can I get an extension while I’m there? Will they ask to see my departing flight information? Can I just show them my flight information going to Thailand (one-way) and then extend when I get there?

January 5, 2022 at 7:35 pm

My reply is yes to all of your questions, with one caveat. Do buy an onward ticket or rent it here

January 9, 2022 at 6:34 am

Thanks for the article. I came in on a TV and will extend for 30 days soon. I’d like to stay longer but don’t want to fly out and back in as I’d have to do the asq again. Any suggestions as to which other visa I could apply for withinThailand?

January 10, 2022 at 1:22 am

Hi Sophie, You can go for the COVID extension if it is still there. If not, you would need to fly out and come back. While applying for visas inside Thailand is not impossible, the rules vary in different places. I have heard cases where people did it using agents, but you never know.

January 11, 2022 at 7:52 pm

Hi, if I enter Thailand on a 30 day tourist visa and I want to extend it.. would you know what kind of airline ticket I should purchase because I really don’t know when I want to return to the uk..should I purchase an open return ticket..I hope you can answer my question because I am confused..thank you

January 12, 2022 at 12:47 am

Hi John, It is way better and cheaper to rent one, and this is the one I recommend: https://thevisaproject.com/recommends/visa-reservation/

January 13, 2022 at 7:32 am

I came on a 30 days visa exemption. I went for the 30 days extension. Now, to stay longer I need to get the Covid extension. I think that a document called TM30 is necessary. I asked my hotel in Patong to provide it but they were clueless.

Do you now where I can find it ?

January 14, 2022 at 4:14 pm

Hi Jay, They don’t usually ask for it. However, the hotel has the responsibility to get it for you, although you can do it as well. This can be done online or by visiting the local immigration office.

January 13, 2022 at 10:51 am

Hello. I am a Dutch citizen and a resident in Singapore. I am currently in quarantine in Bangkok because of testing positive for covid. My visa will expire on 16 January but I will still be in quarantine then so am not able to leave my hotel and go to immigration. What should I do?

If everything goes well, I will leave quarantine on 18 January. My new flight back to Singapore is on 25 January.

January 14, 2022 at 4:17 pm

Hi Thijs, Ideally, you should get an extension. See if you can get the help of an agent to do so. In the worst case, you would need to pay some overstay fine when you leave.

January 13, 2022 at 1:00 pm

I came to Thailand and got the 14 days visa on Arrival. I wanted to know whether I could extend the visa to stay for one more week, since we will be in Hotel Quarantine for 7 days and have only 7 days to enjoy.

Please let me know if they is an option to extend.

January 14, 2022 at 3:54 pm

Hi Laxmi, Yes, you are allowed to extend it. However, you can get the extension for 7 days only for medical reasons. So it is not that straightforward.

January 15, 2022 at 8:20 am

Hi, so I have just extended my second one , First 30 and now 60, I still want be here for longer 😎, do you know if its possible or I need to a visa run now ? And How does that work

January 18, 2022 at 3:52 am

Hi Isse, Yes, it is totally possible to get more than one COVID extension. The process is very much the same as your first one.

January 18, 2022 at 4:28 pm

Hi Deb Pati,

Getting more than one Covid Visa extension is great for everyone, however we currently don’t know if the Thai government will extend this offer again beyond 25 January, right?

I haven’t heard anything so far – not even rumours, which is a bit weird…

January 18, 2022 at 1:31 pm

Hi Isse, where did you apply ? in BKK ? (MuongThong Thani) – Thanks. Marco

January 15, 2022 at 10:55 pm

Hi, I am in Thailand with a 30 days on arrival visa and I have the mandatory medical insurance for this period. If i make now a visa extension do i also have to get a new medical insurance covering the remaining time? Thanks for your help

January 18, 2022 at 4:13 am

Hi Patrick, No need for a new insurance.

January 20, 2022 at 7:06 am

Hello, I’m a French citizen, came in Thailand with a 30 days exemption stamp on 21/11, extended once, my new stamp goes until 30/01. I would like to do the covid extension. Do I need to wait until the 25/01 or can I go before? Thanks

January 21, 2022 at 2:32 am

I wanted to know if you have heard of this. I went to immigration office for a 30 day visa extension and was told by the officer that I could not apply before I have been in the country for 45 days.

January 21, 2022 at 3:13 am

Never heard of this, William.

January 24, 2022 at 1:06 am

I have a situation where I have entered Thailand on a 60 day visa and I have already gone for a 30 day extension my question is can I get another 30 day extension or is it possible for me to apply for a married visa while I am in Thailand.

January 24, 2022 at 3:43 pm

Hi Larry, You can get a COVID extension for 60 days.

January 26, 2022 at 4:05 pm

Coming into Phuket on the 9th from the uk on 30 day visa exemption, will we be able to go the immigration office that week and get another 30 days?

January 27, 2022 at 2:01 am

I entered Thailand under the tourist exemption scheme for 30 days and have already extended it for 30 days. Does that mean I am not eligible for the Covid Extension myself anymore? I would really appreciate it if you can let me know.

January 27, 2022 at 10:40 pm

Hi John, Yes, you are eligible.

January 31, 2022 at 1:11 am

Hello, I am a indian national came here on 60 days Tourist Sticker Visa. I would like to know if I can get the 60 days covid visa extension?

February 1, 2022 at 9:50 pm

Hi Dheeraj, Ideally, you should be able to.

February 2, 2022 at 7:47 am

Hi, I have a STV that I already extended twice and therefore should leave. Would the COVID extension also work for me?

February 4, 2022 at 2:16 am

Great read. Thanks for doing this.

When entering with visa-exemption you are required to have proof of a flight back after 30 days with set a date. What kind of flight is the smartest to get for that reason? Open ended? Is that allowed? I’m not sure if regular flight dates can be changed?

February 7, 2022 at 3:45 am

Just wanted to say thank you so much for writing this! We came perfectly prepared because of you and got in and out within 1 hour. Would have been even faster if we went to the correct office immediately, so if I may add: to extend a visa exemption or tourist visa, people should go to office 101 on the left side of the entrance. We assumed we would get the 15 day visa waiver but instead they gave us a 30 day visa extension for the same price (1.900THB).

February 8, 2022 at 1:52 am

I’m japanese and planning to go for a 4 month stay if possible Will go with the single entry visa. Then apply for extension For normal extension I can apply just once, right? Can I get the covid one even before my visa expires? I’m going to go at the end of the month so by the time the covid visa extension ends (if not extended too) I will still be in the 60 days of my visa, so I cannot apply? Or can I apply in advance? Will that change the dates?

Also, how to get proof for it? It mentions about the “cannot go back” or “embassy letter”, but not sure I can get either of them. How is everyone getting the proof?

Thanks in advance!!

February 11, 2022 at 3:03 am

Hi Maru, You can get the normal extension just once. That’s right. They usually give you the Covid extension after the normal one. As per the proof, you can simply write a letter yourself but they don’t ask for the letter always.

February 12, 2022 at 2:09 am

Thank you very much for your promptly reply! 🙂 Was worried about that letter

Last question, how much in advance can you ask for the covid extension? I’m traveling on the 22th February and have tickets until 23 of April, but since the covid extension can be done until March 26 (if not extended), can I apply in March 25 for example even though my single entry visa will still have a little less than a month left?

(Also, do you know how much in advance do they mention if there will be an extension of the covid extension after March 26?)

February 15, 2022 at 11:07 pm

Hi Maru, They will ask you to get the normal extension first.

February 10, 2022 at 9:15 pm

hello Deb, thank you so much for all your efforts in providing this extremely helpful information!

I’m an Irish citizen who arrived in thailand on a visa exemption and has already extended for 30 days.

When I went to extend at the K counter in bangkok in mid January I was seeking the 60 day Covid extension but all the officials there were telling everyone that they were no longer issuing any Covid extensions and refused to give any information about it. I wonder if anyone else experienced this?

Now I want to try to request the 60 day Covid extension again next week. What are the list of documents for the Covid extension and where can I find them? What precise reasons due to covid will they issue the extension for? my parents live in Thailand and I am staying at their house, what kind of document would the officials need as proof of my residence? And lastly – if they refuse to give a Covid extension would they let me in again if I do a border run?

Thanks so much and sorry for the many questions!

February 11, 2022 at 7:08 pm

Hello Deb, Firstly, thank you so much for making the effort to put this extremely helpful resource you’ve put together!

I’m an Irish citizen who arrived in Thailand via test&go with visa waiver in December. on 18th january I went to K counter in Bangkok to apply for a 60 day covid extension but they told everyone there that no covid extensions would be issued. Therefore, they only gave me a 30 day extension. This coming week I am planning to try again to extend via the 60 day covid extension but after the last experience, am worried they will say again that they are not issuing those…I’m not sure if anyone else has experienced this.

A couple of questions: – What are the documents needed for the 60 day covid extension? – What reasons do they accept for the covid-19 extension? I have prepared a letter (in Thai) arguing that covid cases are very bad in my country of residence and provided proof, would this suffice? – My parents live in Bangkok and I’m staying with them. Therefore, I cannot prove my accommodation via hotel booking and my name isn’t on their rental contract. What sort of proof could I offer instead? Copy of their passports with residency permits in it and a letter they signed confirming I stay with them? -Do I need to show a ticket leaving Thailand within the 60 day covid extension period? – if all fails, is it still possible to do visa runs at the moment? could they reject me at the border if I try to come back into the country within a few days of leaving if they see I’ve already been here and extended once before?

Sorry for all the questions!!! but hopefully it will also be of use to others 🙂 thank you so much!

February 15, 2022 at 7:57 pm

Hi Vee, Thank you for the kind words.

– Documents needed: https://thevisaproject.com/experience/thailand/thai-visa-extension/#comment-1984

https://thevisaproject.com/experience/thailand/thai-visa-extension/#comment-1961 – Yes, the reason you have mentioned would be fine. People have even provided the reason as tourism: https://thevisaproject.com/experience/thailand/thai-visa-extension/#comment-1993 .

– Believe the accommodation proof would work.

– It is not necessary to show a ticket, but it always helps. You can event rent tickets: https://visareservation.com/?ref=160

-It is possible to do visa runs. Believe they are already giving out Thai visas in Cambodia.

February 14, 2022 at 6:27 am

arrived here under the Sandbox to Phuket, now moved to Pattaya can I get a 30 day extension at Jomtien Immigration, I arrived from the UK on a 30 day waiver Thank you

February 15, 2022 at 10:36 am

Hi! First of all thnx alot for all the information. I wanna make sure some question if you know well. I came with TR visa and 60days over in few days. I know i can extension 30days. But is it possible to get covid 60 days visa instead of 30days?? Please could you tell me any info??

February 17, 2022 at 2:15 am

I am UK passport holder who arrived on 30th Dec 2021 with a 60 day visa. The stamp runs out 28th Feb 2022 so I am going to renew it for 30 days. I have lost my TM6 arrivals/departure slip. What happens now???

February 17, 2022 at 6:40 pm

These things happen. There are usually two possible scenarios for this depending on which immigration office is responsible for you:

(1) Just go to your local immigration office and ask them to replace the TM6 for you. Most immigration offices will do this immediately without any issues; (2) Go to the local police office and file a report about your lost TM6. You then take that report to your immigration office as proof.

You’ve got enough time, so even if you have to go to the police first you will be fine. If immigration is not too far from you I would head over and ask them. Or you can have someone who speaks Thai call them.

February 18, 2022 at 11:16 am

I recently heard from various sources including Thaiger and Richard Barrow’s Twitter page that it is now way more difficult to get a Covid Visa extension.

Apparently, only tourists can get this visa. If you have a Visa On Arrival or a Non-Immigrant Visa (such as my student visa, ouch!), you’re basically screwed.

Just wanted to throw this out there. Maybe our little online community can help each other come up with some sort of solution. 🙂

February 19, 2022 at 9:20 pm

Hello. Thanks for this information. If you come in on a visa free can you get the extension still? Also if you come in on a visa free with the purpose of getting the 30 day extension, does your original ticket need to still leave before the 30 days or can you have a round trip ticket in and out for 60 days(visa free+ext.)This would be for both USA passport traveling from Philippines and Filipino passport holder.

March 10, 2022 at 4:01 pm

Hello, we are entering Phuket via the sandbox scheme on the 24th March and are planning on staying in Thailand for around 50 days going to various places, we will be entering on a visa exemption on UK passports. Is it still easy to get a visa extension on this type of entry?

March 13, 2022 at 9:03 pm

Hi Maisie, Yes, it is.

March 14, 2022 at 9:55 am

Sono arrivato a Bangkok 8 dicembre test and go partito da Malpensa/ Francoforte non volevano farmi partire lista e gli ho spiegato che dopo 2 anni brutali per il Covid se avevo tutti i requisiti per entrare in Thailandia a loro cosa importasse alche ho detto di mandare le valigie a Francoforte e le avrei reimbarcate comunque una notte di quarantena avanti hotel pattaya 5 stelle peso di aver pagato 80 euro una notte con pcr limousine fino all’hotel 10 ore per l’esito stavo impazzendo dopodiché ho chiamato il manager e gli ho detto stiamo spendendo una marea di bath per room service o ci fai uno sconto del 50% altrimenti esco è arrivato subito esito negativo esenzione visto timbrato al 6 gennaio nel frattempo sono a Koh phangan mi danno una prim estensione di 30 giorni 6 febbraio poi covid extension fino Al 24 marzo probabilmente sono andato troppo presto adesso sono tornato a pattaya e la polizia die un mese o due!dopò apriranno Cambodia Laos Vietnam Filippine Malesia andrò consolato per fare Ed visa studiare lingua thai visto un anno oppure turistico 60 + 30 vedremo comunque sia i love thailand anche se riaprirà senza restrizioni il 1 luglio ma pochi turisti chiusure a dicembre 21 adesso 23/24 comunque è sempre magnifica amo Koh phangan e Phuket 2 isole thai completamente diverse!!! Sole mare natura yoga tramonti e party più occidentali con musica con dj famosi Phuket puoi vivere una realtà più thailandese con più scelta

March 14, 2022 at 5:52 pm

Hola Marco, No hablo Italiano, pero si hablo Español y entiendo lo que dijiste. Me gusta saber que te gusta Tailandia tanto. Si quieres, puedes escribir un articulo sobre como conseguir la visa de educacion para estudiar el idioma de Tailandia. 🙂

Buena suerte, Deb

March 21, 2022 at 6:12 am

Hi Deb Pati, I am a US Citizen and I was once got a Covid Visa Extension for 60 days, now that’s about to expire I need to apply for another extension. But I went to Immigration Division 1 and they told me I need to go to US Embassy to get a Letter if Extension is that correct?

Questions: can I get a second Covid extension without exiting Thailand?

What do I need from US immigration to give me the extension?

Please I appreciate your quick response my visa will expire March 26 plssss help. Thank you

March 22, 2022 at 5:45 pm

Hello April, Yes, you can get the second Covid extension without exiting Thailand.

As per the letter, you can simply take the screenshot from here: https://th.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/acsappointment/ as the US embassy doesn’t provide any such letter. And provide a printout of the same when you apply. As a backup, you can write a letter yourself telling them that you can’t go back and the embassy doesn’t provide any letters and attest it.

March 24, 2022 at 9:08 am

I arrived in Thailand in January, and I had a 60 day tourist visa, where I paid 1900 THB to extend for the 30 days, giving me to mid April. Today I went to extend my visa for the additional 60 days due to Covid, all before the the expiring March 25th cut-off date. I was given 2 options:

Option 1 : Pay 1900 THB, and get a 15 day extension stamp, where I would then have to return to immigration to then get a stamp for an additional 45 days.

Option 2: pay 3000 THB, where I would get an instant 60 days stamp there and then today, and I would not have to return to an immigration office drying my stay, until departing airport immigration.

Before I went through to the immigration officers, the people at the front desk said I would only have to pay 1500 THB for the 60 day covid extension, as I had already paid 1900 THB prior for my first 30 day extension.

I paid the 3000 THB as I did not want to return to immigration office again during my stay, all including travelling and time getting there etc.

I did not receive a receipt or proof of payment when I handed over the cash, I just got told that’s it I was free to go and visa was extended.

Did anyone have a similar experience/cost?

March 25, 2022 at 7:32 am

Hi Neo, Those are two very interesting options you got and I am glad to hear that you took the second option. Hope that you got the extension stamp and all to make sure that you got 60 more days.

Maybe others can pitch in if they had a similar experience.

March 25, 2022 at 11:23 am

Hi, I’m looking into the possibility of staying in Thailand for 2-3 months without going through the hassle of booking a tourist visa.

As a result, I was considering using the 30 day exemption to begin with, then extending this by another 30 days in the country.

After those 60 days if I decide I would like to stay longer I would just do a border run and get a new 30 day exemption from my understanding?

I just wanted to clarify if this would be the case? and that my possibility of getting a new exemption wouldn’t be affected by me having extended the previous one?

March 25, 2022 at 6:26 pm

Hi Tom, Not really. You should be fine. Here is an article to help clear out things: https://thevisaproject.com/experience/thailand/thailand-long-stay-visa-and-restrictions/

March 26, 2022 at 9:34 pm

Hello Team,

Thank you for offering this amazing service.

I am 40 and a U.S. citizen living in Pattaya.

My first Covid extension will expire this Thursday on 3/31.

I am going through a complicated orthodontic procedure and the hospital has issued a letter and 2 certifications already stating that I need to stay in the country for another 6 months. What are my chances to get a 1 year or even 6 months medical visa? what are the requirements?

If that fails? Do you think I have a good chance to get a second covid Extention for 60days if I go there 3 days ahead of time? The first time, they charged me 1900 BHT give me 30 days, had to return after 30 days to get the second stamp.

Thank you for your time

March 29, 2022 at 12:53 pm

I arrived from the US via my passport. I went to immigration and did an extension. I now have 1 week left, but I would love to find a way I could stay longer. Are there any options outside of doing a boarder run, or paying for an elite visa? I made a number of contacts / friends here so they would not mind leveraging their resources, such as a Thai business, if necessary.

March 29, 2022 at 1:25 pm

Hi, This article has all the info you need.

https://thevisaproject.com/experience/thailand/thailand-long-stay-visa-and-restrictions/

March 31, 2022 at 7:29 am

Hi Deb, thank you for this helpful post!

After reading tons of reviews and helpful blog posts like this ( https://mikethemeanderthal.com/easy-chiang-mai-visa-extension-guide is another one), it seems that while the convoluted process of visa application is a given.. whether the whole thing go smoothly is hit or miss. I’m glad to say that my visa extension experience yesterday was definitely a hit, so I wanna pay it forward and share the latest updates.

I arrived in Chiangmai by plane on 8th March through the Test n Go Scheme, using a Singapore passport with 30-days visa exemption. Upon entering the immigration area, remember to take a queue number from the screening booth located at the center of the compound.

Proceed to the tents on the left side of the compound. Your queue number will be for the ‘form verification process’ here. Fill up all the necessary forms according to the many English signs there. If you need to photocopy or take photo, you can proceed to the back of the building. Wait for your queue number to be called after filling out the forms. When your number is called, you can direct all your enquiries to the person attending to you. Mine speaks good English and answers all my questions well. After confirming that my forms/copies are in order, I’m given a number and directed to the main aircon office building.

Give the number to the information window directly opposite the entrance and they’ll give you another queue number to wait for your turn at one of the window stations inside. Watch the tv screen and go to the station indicated when your number is up, pay the 1900 baht then go back to your seat to wait again. Someone will call your name for you to take a photo in front, then it’s time to wait some more before you’re called to collect your passport with a freshly stamped visa extension!

Remember to get a screenshot of the ‘tenant registration’ from your current landlord at least the day before. That will be your critical TM30 copy. My landlord forgot to register for me when I arrived but did it online just the day before my application, so it’s pretty fast to do. To play it safe, I went to print out this TM30 screenshot at a copy center in the morning before I went to immigration. You can download and print the TM7 form online too, but it seems the two acknowledgement forms can only be filled in at the office. While filling out the forms there, I realized that the SPM.2 form is actually just a second acknowledgment form, the first being the penalties acknowledgement form.

I wanted to get a 60 days visa extension if I could, so I enquired about the Covid Visa and was told that my ‘visa exempt’ case is classified under Tourist Visa (TR) and therefore I cannot apply for covid visa now. However, the covid visa is extended to May 24 so before my upcoming extension ends on 6th May, I can apply for that then.

I arrived at about 11am on Wednesday morning and there were very few people around. Finished my forms and photo-taking at almost 12pm so I was told to wait till their lunchtime is over at 1pm. In the aircon-office, I note that the wait time for each number seems to be only abt 5min so that’s quite fast. Left happy at about 2pm. Everyone I met was helpful and polite, making the whole experience a breeze.

All in all, I feel that the system could be better – e.g. the TM7 and two acknowledgement forms could be combined into one form for simplicity’s sake. However, seeing the many signs in English and the staff insistence on adhering to the queue system (which mysteriously skipped over the two guys beside me waiting in the office, much to their consternation), I feel like the people on the ground are doing all they can to make things better.

Or maybe I’m just lucky to come on a day with minimal crowd!

April 4, 2022 at 1:09 pm

Hi Yanxin, Thank you very much for your comment. Hope it helps the others.

April 19, 2022 at 4:42 am

where I can get a visa extension on Phuket island?

April 19, 2022 at 5:46 pm

Hi, I am from India. I will visit thailand in 2 days from now. I have return ticket after 15 days. Can I extend it to another 15 days to make it 30 days? I booked my flight for 30 days but I found out that visa on arrival allows max 15 days. So I changed flight but I really want to go for 30 days. I heard somewhere I can extend only for 7 days one time only. Hope you have some answer for my query. Thanks

April 20, 2022 at 4:36 am

Hi Nishant, You can extend it for 7 days only, and that too in very specific scenarios such as medical reasons. You are better off coming with a SETV if you want to stay for 30 days.

April 21, 2022 at 5:57 am

Thanks for the help but I would like to check, I flew from singapore to thai and my visa free is expiring on 27th april. Im aware that the tm7 needs a reason and what reason do people usually write for 30 visa extension? And I would like to ask for that can I get a covid visa just because I want to travel more? What reason would I need to write if this is the case, is it still easy to get covid visa too? Thanks for ur reply

April 24, 2022 at 6:31 am

Hi Tim, For the 30-day visa extension, you could simply mention that you want to travel more. But for the Covid extension, they are asking for more proof. You could say tourism as the reason or that you can’t go back to your country now.

April 27, 2022 at 4:53 am

They asked for the letter but Singapore embassy told me to contact them directly for any extensions, what should i do in this case ? thanks again!

April 28, 2022 at 11:51 am

You mean the Singapore emebassy in Thailand? In that case, maybe you can reach the embassy and see if they can provide a letter. If not, you can write one yourself mentioning that the embassy doesn’t provide any letters.

May 2, 2022 at 7:40 pm

Yes thats right, but they replied me that they do not issue “covid visa letter” so should i just print this email reply out and show the immigration? thank you!

May 6, 2022 at 12:57 pm

Yes, that is exactly what you can do.

May 16, 2022 at 10:51 am

Hi, I am in Chiang Mai and will be applying for a covid visa extension. When filling out the form I noticed that I have to specify the reason why I am making the request. Can I write that the reason is because covid cases are increasing in my region of origin? Do I need to bring evidence? Or possibly what motivation do you suggest to write?

June 6, 2022 at 3:40 am

My 30 day visa extension is about to end. Do I need a letter from the Australian embassy to apply for Covid 60 day extension? Will immigration ask? Thank you

June 7, 2022 at 7:15 am

Hi Jade, They surely can ask. Either get a letter or an email where they state they either don’t provide any such letter.

June 15, 2022 at 7:58 am

Hi I need to extend visa actually my visa expires today but I don’t know where is immigration office and I extend visa

June 16, 2022 at 4:45 pm

Hello, to be granted access into thailand i need proof of my flight leaving the country. Once i am in thailand i wish to extend my visa. Do i therefore book the flight for what would be my departure date if they grant me an extension or do i book it for the original 60 days and then change my flight when the extension is granted?

June 18, 2022 at 7:40 am

If you are flying to Thailand, it is always advisable to carry proof of your onward journey. We recommend visa reservation to rent: https://thevisaproject.com/recommends/visa-reservation/

Now, coming to the dates, you can plan to get a new one once you are in Thailand which can include the 30 days extension.

So effectively, you could rent it twice.

June 20, 2022 at 4:38 am

Hello! Like many others of the commenters, I landed on this site after looking for information on how to extend and I think that this is the most easy-to-understand info I have found so far so thank you for that.

I’m heading to immigration for an extension this week. Aside from the documents you list here, will I need to show a ticket for onward travel and a confirmed hotel-reservation as well or can I skip those? I don’t know where I’m going next yet (so if I indeed need an onward ticket, I was going to rent one, but I’d rather save that money and spend it on something more fun) and I’m frankly too paranoid to book my next accommodation before I have that stamp in my passport so I’m sitting here now trying to decide if I should get those ready anyway or if I’ll be fine anyway. I have never applied for an extension in Thailand so I don’t know if they’re as grumpy and strict as in other countries or what I should expect, haha.

Anyway, thank you again for the great information!

June 22, 2022 at 5:04 pm

Hi Nicole, They can sometimes ask for the onward ticket. So it is always better to carry one. Or you can simply show up without it and bring it with you the next time if they ask for it.

Accommodation proof is pretty far-fetched.

June 22, 2022 at 8:29 pm

Hello! We just discovered that the 60 day Thailand Tourist Visa which we were able to apply for via e-visa back in December 2021 is no longer available as an e-visa. You have to apply in person at a Royal Thai consulate or embassy. So, now we are considering a 30 day visa free entry as US passport holders and then extending for another 30 days at an Immigration office. Information on the internet is very confusing. Some say only 15 day extensions for air travelers is given, and your site says 30 days. And of course the Royal Thai Embassy website doesn’t appear to provide ANY info about extending visa free. We are coming in August 12 and staying 60 days through Oct 10. Are you still confident the 30 day visa free will extend for 30 days? Thanks in advance for your reply.

June 25, 2022 at 11:53 am

Hi, You should get 30 days. Have not heard of anyone getting 15 days in the recent past.

July 5, 2022 at 11:49 pm

According to people I talked in Thailand they will not give you 30 days you have to do it in your own country

July 7, 2022 at 11:59 pm

Please help. Its July 8 2022. Planning to enter in 10 days on US passport visa exemption no visa required. IS IT STILL POSSIBLE TO EXTEND THE STAY? HOW MANY DAYS WILL IT GET EXTENDED? Thanks…

July 10, 2022 at 9:03 am

Yes it is. 30.

July 11, 2022 at 4:08 am

Hello! I am Canadian flying to Thailand in two weeks time. I know I can get a tourist visa/visa upon arrival if my stay is limited to 30 days but i want to extend my stay just by a few days – probably just by 3-5 days.

A) If I arrive at the airport and my return ticket is over the 30 day limit, will I be refused entry into the country? Or would they still let me in? B) If they do let me in, would I just be able to extend that 30 day stay visa before it expires?

Thank you in advance! I’ve tried calling the Thai embassy but no one seems to be answering!

July 20, 2022 at 3:03 am

Sorry about the late reply Stephanie. A) No you should not be refused entry over this. B) You can file for the extension for 30 days before the initial entry date allowed.

July 18, 2022 at 4:01 pm

Thanks for all the info but my head is exploding! Decades ago when I went to Thailand twice for a total of 3 months, none of this was necessary.

American arriving October 2022 and I want to be in Thailand for at least 2 months. Can I do the 30 day non Visa requirement as a tourist for free and THEN apply for then apply for the 90 day single entry the tourist Visa that you can use for 60 days, while I’m already in the country?

How long do I have to wait before before coming in again for another either free 29 days or applying for the 90 day Visa?

Can I show a bus or train ticket for an exit to a neighboring country because I don’t plan to fly?

I keep reading conflicting info on $ requirements for this Visa and when they ask an amount, is that per week, per month or total $ for whatever length of stay?

Sorry for so many questions but I’m traveling to many countries and I’m tired of spending endless hours on trying to get clear, precise, current info.

July 22, 2022 at 10:24 am

1. You can get 30 days visa-exempt entry. You can extend this inside Thailand.

2. You can not get a tourist visa when you are inside Thailand. You need to make a border run. There are multiple articles on the website on that. https://thevisaproject.com/experience/thailand/60-day-thailand-tourist-visa-in-laos/

3. Train/ bus tickets are accepted.

4. The cost of the tourist visa would vary depending on where you apply.

Here is another article that would be useful : https://thevisaproject.com/experience/thailand/thailand-long-stay-visa-and-restrictions/

January 8, 2023 at 9:37 am

I’m from the Netherlands and I’m cycling around South-East Asia. I’ll extend my visa-exempt entry of 45 days tomorrow, for another 30 days, but I might need another 15-30 days after that.

My question is whether a border run gives me 15 or 30 more days? I read conflicting things about that.

I’ll be in the North of Thailand then, so the Laos is the obvious choice. How long should I stay there before coming back?

Also, my first 45 days expire today (Sunday) already. I was in Kaeng Krachan and realized too late that immigrant offices are closed in the weekends. I’ll go to the office tomorrow morning. Will the overstay of one day give me a problem now or later on?

Kind regards,

January 9, 2023 at 8:38 pm

Hi Michael, If you end up doing the extension 1 day late, most probably you would need to pay the 500B fine nothing else.

If you do the border run, you should get 45 days as it would be a visa-exempt entry. Earlier the land border runs gave you 15 days only. Laos is surely a great choice. 1 or 2 days in Laos would do the trick.

Please update us on how it goes. Would help others a lot.

Cheers, Deb

July 29, 2022 at 6:56 pm

Hi I’m American and have a flight for the 3rd of August, I signed up for a tourist visa a week ago but I don’t think it’s going to be finished before I leave, so I have a question and it’s a but of an emergency situation now

A) can I just land at the airport and get the visa exemption, then extend it there?

B) can I keep my flight return date still showing 2 months later on the 3rd of October? My accommodation are on the same days as well.

All together my time there is 63 days, but I can Push back my departure date if necessary. I’ve gotten so much mixed up info on all of this. Thanks for the help

July 31, 2022 at 8:52 am

Hi Chuck, A) Yes, you can do it. B) I would recommend keeping it within 60 days so that you can reason with them. There is always someone who is not having a good day.

August 11, 2022 at 3:09 am

Just to give everyone a heads-up (since the link posted here now doesn’t work any longer), I had my visa exemption (30 days) extended with another 30 days yesterday.

The new location is at the IT Square Mall in Lak Si (3rd floor). The process went quite smooth. Prepared everything as was explained here, but still had to fill in two additional documents, which were provided at the location. Took me a little longer than 1 hour, but beware that there’s only 300 queue tickets given out each day. I arrived at 15:00 and had queue number 220, btw.

August 11, 2022 at 1:52 pm

Hi Zero, Thank you for the update. Would you mind sharing which additional documents were you needed to fill in?

August 18, 2022 at 2:31 am

I am SO happy I found this website !! So I have never been to Thailand, but I had got my tickets already. I’m leaving Nov 2nd 2022 and coming back May2nd 2023. So 6 months. I am Canadian, coming from Canada. I am waiting for my SETV online application to be approved. I know I can do 90 days with the extension. Do I have other options of extensions ? Without having to leave ?.. and if I do have to do a run, would I come on my 30 day no visa, and extend for another 30… then have to do another run ? Any help is sooo appreciated. Thank you so much.!!

August 19, 2022 at 6:40 am

Hi Aly, This article will help you in understanding all those details : https://thevisaproject.com/experience/thailand/thailand-long-stay-visa-and-restrictions/

August 29, 2022 at 10:55 pm

Is it possible to stay 90 days on a british passport,I know I can extend by 30 days,but what can I do for the last 30 days.will I have to do a border run. Thanks

August 31, 2022 at 7:48 am

Hi Stuart, You can surely do a border run, however it would be better to get a SETV if you are planning to stay in Thailand for a longer time. Cheers, Deb

August 31, 2022 at 5:36 am

Hi, I read the covid extensions will no longer be given again and again. is this correct?

August 31, 2022 at 7:43 am

That is right Ron. They have discontinued it for now.

August 31, 2022 at 7:58 pm

Hi buddy , I was curious , I’m American and came on a visa free and they gave me 30 days, Which ends September 9th, next week. When do you think I should go for the visa extension. Also after that extension I can apply for another one? Also if I can’t , can I make a border run get 30 days and then get another extension . And repeat this process over and over? Last thing, you say you can get visa free 45 days , but I only received 30 days. Thankyou

September 3, 2022 at 2:42 pm

Hi Cody, You get visa-exempt entry for 30 days now. During Covid times, they had temporarily extended it to 45 days. Not anymore. You can apply for the extension 1 week before the 30-day limit is over.

Give this article a read to get an idea on the border runs and other things in general: https://thevisaproject.com/experience/thailand/thailand-long-stay-visa-and-restrictions/

September 10, 2022 at 7:39 am

Hi, I am travelling to thailand from Australia on a 90 days volunteer visa. At the end of that 90 days I would like to travel as a tourist for another 15 days. Can I request an extension of my volunteer visa or do I need to reapply for a tourist visa?

September 16, 2022 at 6:39 am

Hi Amber, I believe it is a Non-O volunteer visa? You can surely extend it. In order to get a tourist visa, you would need to leave Thailand.

September 19, 2022 at 2:24 pm

Hi, can anyone advise me? we are flying out to Thailand on 27th september for 34 days. We know the Thai government are extending the visa to 45 days stay from 1st October, We return home on the 1st November. can we travel without an E visa? sorry if this sounds confusing. john

September 23, 2022 at 6:59 am

Hi Austin, As of October 1st citizens from 53 countries can enter Thailand without visa for 45 days (up from 30). Since you are entering before that, you would get 30 days, and then you would need to extend it for 30 more.

September 30, 2022 at 7:41 pm

Hi Deb, as all the others trippers I am so grateful for your skilled help! It is nice to read how may people would stay in this amazing country long as possible, “fighting”against every kind of administrative difficulties! Arrived to Bangkok from Paris on the 18 of September with a non visa 30 days limited stay, I am preparing my documents to go to the IT Square Lakes Plaza for the extension. – If I have to include the T6 form I don’t have ? I don’t remember if they didn’t give me ( is it possible?) or if I’ve lost it…it is not a form that I can download isn’t? -If I’ve understood correctly, I will not benefit of 45 days because I arrived before the 1 of October, right? – at the moment of my demand I still have an hotel address, but not for longtime as I wish go outside Bkk.The authority is asking an address covering all the extension stay? Thank you so much, Faustina

October 4, 2022 at 1:16 pm

Hi Faustina, Thank you for the kind words. Yes, let’s hope they get better. 🙂 – It is possible that you didn’t get one. Rarely happens but possible. See J’s very helpful comment on this: https://thevisaproject.com/experience/thailand/thai-visa-extension/#comment-2509

– You wouldn’t get 45 days since you arrived before 1st October

– It is better that you get the TM7 mentioning the hotel where you would be staying at. You should already have it. A little less hassle. Then once you get the extension, you can go outside Bangkok.

October 4, 2022 at 7:45 pm

Hi there, I am a NZ citizen arriving in Bangkok on 17 October, i want to stay 85 days in Thailand, i will get the 45 day Visa Exemption on arrival, can i do a visa run to Cambodia/Malaysia 45 days later, and re-enter and get another 45 day visa exemption? thanks a lot!

October 5, 2022 at 5:50 pm

Hi Don, I believe yes you would.

October 4, 2022 at 9:58 pm

Do you have any infos about the Special 60-day Covid Extension of Thai Visa… for end 2022 and begining 2023? Thanks!

October 5, 2022 at 5:51 pm

Right now it is not happening Phillipe. I doubt they will go back to Covid extensions.

October 8, 2022 at 9:22 am

Hi Ded, I’m wondering if a land border visa extension run (post 60-days visa ) cab be also done in Myanmar/laos? Txs

October 12, 2022 at 2:16 pm

Hi Karina, It can definitely be done in Laos. Don’t think Myanmar is an option right now since the borders with Myanmar are closed( Last checked in September).

October 16, 2022 at 9:00 pm

Hi Deb We entered Thailand with a STV on 19 august and need to extend by November 16,2022. I have heard that some with this visa were not granted extensions. We are in Bangkok so we were just wanting to verify that it’s still possible to get extensions for the STV ? Otherwise we would need to do a border run seeing we can’t change to another visa type here. Thank you

October 17, 2022 at 12:19 pm

Hi Glynn, Have not heard of anyone who got denied the visa extension with STV. As long as you have everything they need, you can count on getting it.

November 21, 2022 at 4:52 am

I just got denied the STV visa renewal. they say it finished by 30th September

November 21, 2022 at 6:59 am

Hi Josh, Sorry to hear that. Do you mean, they denied you a 30-day extension on your STV?

October 18, 2022 at 6:11 am

Hi Deb I will be re-entering Thailand on the 4th of November on the 45 day visa exemption. I plan to extend my visa for a further 30 days during my stay. A few days after I arrive will be flying to Krabi and I have heard the visa office there is a very relaxed and quick process compared to Bangkok. My question is will I be able to extend my visa in Krabi a couple of days after arrival in the country or do I have to wait until a week or so before the visa runs out in December. Thanks for your help!

October 19, 2022 at 11:19 am

Hi Conor, Yes, you can do it a couple of days after you arrive. No need to wait for the week before the visa expires.

October 18, 2022 at 3:34 pm

Hello, Thanks again for your information! Do you know if it’s possible to extend 30 days after the 45 days visa exemption on arrival? And is there 45 days for landborder crossing?

October 19, 2022 at 11:14 am

Yes to both.

October 19, 2022 at 8:26 am

Is it possible to get an extension on the day of expiration. Say my stay expires on the 27 but I am asking for an extension on the 27 will that work?

October 19, 2022 at 11:16 am

I believe it is possible, but why take the risk? You have time to do it beforehand.

October 21, 2022 at 1:55 pm

Hello, we are coming to BKK Thailand from Canada November 4 and getting the 45 day visa exception with plans to extend for an additional 30 days. Then we are leaving for about 6 weeks to travel elsewhere, and then would like to return again for another 45 day visa exception and fly home on March 30 2023. Can we use the 45 day exception 2 times within our 5 month travel plan? Thanks for any information you can provide.

October 23, 2022 at 5:54 am

Hi Sandra, Yes, this is totally doable.

October 23, 2022 at 12:47 pm

I wonder if it’s then possible to extend for a second time the 45 days for another 30 days… I am canadian who will arrive november 15 2022

Visa waiver end december 29; make extension until january 28 Going to Laos until february 25 2023 Back in Thailand february 25 with visa waiver 45 days Make a second 30 days extension until until I go back in canada may 9 2023??? Thanks a lot for your infos, it is very appreciate…

October 25, 2022 at 7:00 am

Technically speaking, it should be possible although no one has done this yet. Worth a try, and do let us know if you succeed.

October 27, 2022 at 8:11 am

Hi Deb, Super helpful blog and advice. We’re wondering if we book flights for longer than 45 days apart (30 Dec 22 until 15 March 23) will we still be able to get the 45 day visa upon arrival (UK and Swedish citizens) and then extend it for 30days to cover us for our full stay? Or do our flights need to be less than 45 days apart to start with? Thanks for your advice and help!!

October 28, 2022 at 8:59 am

Hi Alex, Appreciate your kind words. Please book the flights for less than 45 days. In fact, I highly recommend renting a ticket or buying a 24-hour cancellable one ( totally free). I recommend doing this before the 45-day limit runs out. The date ideally should be on the 43rd/44th day. Refer to the section: https://thevisaproject.com/experience/thailand/thai-visa-extension/#What_to_Do_about_Onward_Ticket_for_Thai_Visa_Extension

I have a whole article on this: https://thevisaproject.com/blog/tips/10-ways-for-onward-travel-proof/

October 30, 2022 at 3:54 am

Hi Deb, Great info, and thanks for your willingness to advise all of us! My 90 day non-imm O visa (Thai wife, I’m American) will expire in a couple weeks, yet we are planning to stay in Thailand for a couple more months. As I didn’t create a Thai bank account when I arrived (stupid me), an item that seems to be needed to extend the non-imm O, what are my options for continuing my stay here? Thanks!

November 1, 2022 at 7:14 am

Hi Seattlite, I would not recommend a visa conversion inside Thailand since that is always a slippery slope. The easiest option would be to make a border run and come as visa-exempt, and then do the extension on that. That gives you 75 days easily. In the meanwhile, you can open a bank account and have that option ready.

Hope it works out for you, Deb

November 13, 2022 at 1:43 pm

Hello I am traveling to Thailand for 85 days, I will get 45 days visa free. If I take a a day trip over to Laos , will I get 45 more days when I return through the border on the same day or do I have to spend a specific time out of Thailand ?

November 15, 2022 at 6:50 am

Hi Mel, Try to stay at least one full day in Laos, and then enter Thailand. Technically speaking, you should get 45 days. Request to update us. Would be really helpful to others.

November 15, 2022 at 2:55 am

They did’nt give me a TM6 CARD when I come in… can I do extension without this card?… or I should find one and if so how where I can get one?

November 18, 2022 at 9:07 am

Hi Philippe, Yes, you can get a new one or file a Police report for this. See this: https://thevisaproject.com/experience/thailand/thai-visa-extension/#comment-2509

November 19, 2022 at 11:41 am

Actually it’s a new procedure… they do not give TM6 card when you come in Thailand… I wonder if I should ask for one…

November 21, 2022 at 9:52 am

I did not see where the immigration office locations are shared on the immigration.go.th website. Can you help me find such? I am staying in CBD area and will try to go tomorrow to extend m 45 day tourist visa. Then I will do a visa run in January.

I may eventually re-enroll in Thai classes and get an Education visa again, as I did during Covid (they were online and pretty spotty back then, so I could use more classes anyway).

November 23, 2022 at 8:04 am

Hi Chris, I have added a map that you can refer to for the location.

All the best in your endeavors.

November 23, 2022 at 5:33 pm

November 22, 2022 at 11:36 am

Can can visa free entry in thailand be extended by another 30 days? So I come in with a 45 visa exemption and then once in Thailand I extend that by another 30 days for a full 75 days?

I think if I understand this article right it is possible, but I want to be sure.

Thanks for this site. Nowhere in the internet I found such detailled info about all this.

November 24, 2022 at 10:11 am

Hey Johannes, Yes, this is possible.

And thank you for the kind words.

November 24, 2022 at 2:56 pm

Hi Deb, Regarding the 45 day plus 30 day extension for 75 days total: Would I book a return flight now for 45 days or at 75 days? thanks

November 25, 2022 at 6:37 am

Hi Nick, You need to get two in reality. One let’s say on the 43rd day and the other, say, 28 days after that. Please refer to the section on onward tickets as well.

December 2, 2022 at 9:32 am

Yes, this is correct.

I was given a 45 day exemption on arrival and this afternoon I went to the Immigration office and paid THB1900 for an additional 30 days.

November 22, 2022 at 4:30 pm

I did not find a list of Bangkok Immigration/Visa offices on the link above. I have the form to extend my 45 day tourist visa, but do you know where I can go to file it in Bankgok?

November 27, 2022 at 10:26 pm

Hi Deb, I intend to fly in from the states on January 1st, 2022 on the 45 day visa exempt option. i am going to transfer 800,000 Baht to my Thai bank account in early December. Do you know if I would qualify for the 12 month “extension of stay” visa if I enter with the 45 day exempt option, and not the 60 day tourist visa?

November 30, 2022 at 5:55 am

Hi Steve, I don’t think this is possible with the 45-day visa-exempt option or with the 60-day tourist visa.

December 1, 2022 at 4:34 am

Firstly, thanks in advance for any help you may give me.

I’m a little bit stuck on what exactly to do.

I have a 45 day visa waiver, I’d like to extend another 30 days.

My question is to do with the address I have to supply on the TM7.

My visa waiver expires on the 31/12/22. So when I apply, do I need to book a hotel for the 31/12 only and put this on the form? Does it need to be longer?

I’m travelling around the country just now, so all a bit ad hoc at the moment.

Thanks again mate

December 2, 2022 at 11:05 am

Hi Ian, Yes, booking a hotel for a night can do the trick. Not really needed for much longer.

December 2, 2022 at 6:45 am

Hi Deb, I mistakenly believed I had a 90 day visa and have already stayed past the expiry of my actual 30 day visa. I will be flying out next week near but not over the 90 day limit; should I go to the Immigration Bureau and self-report? Is there any chance to extend my visa now it’s already expired? Would I be arrested and taken to IDC?

December 4, 2022 at 11:12 am

Hi Tom, Sorry to hear about this. If you’re stopped by the police you could be arrested. Let’s hope it does not come to that. Try to leave asap and pay your 500 baht/day fine on exit. You will probably receive an overstay stamp on your passport.

Please update us on how it goes.

December 2, 2022 at 3:45 pm

Hi Deb, Indian who received an e-visa for 30 days, got the VOA stamp when I arrived. If I go to the IT Plaza, will they only give me 7 days extension? Thanks!

December 4, 2022 at 11:18 am

Hi Salo, It’s possible to extend your visa on arrival by 7 days only in case you are ill and unable to travel. It is not straightforward for Indians as far as I know.

And from what I have heard from other expats, the 7 days you are offered is in actual fact a denial to approve an extension and they give you 7 days to leave. It is better not to take this option because they will put a stamp saying so and this could become an issue in the future.

If you areally want to travel longer in Thailand, get a Thai STV.

December 5, 2022 at 3:39 am

It seems you can get visa extension via Thai government e-visa service. https://online.vfsevisa.com/ Do you have comment on this process?

December 5, 2022 at 10:48 am

Hi Jo, I don’t think that is possible.

December 8, 2022 at 1:18 pm

Does anyone know if they now require a TM30 at Chang Wattana when doing a 30 day extension on a 45 day Visa waiver?

Thanks in advance for any help.

January 6, 2023 at 8:38 am

So this 45-day visa expires on March 31, 2023.

What if I arrive on March 1, 2023? Would that mean my date to leave would be April 14, 2023? And if I wanted to extend this date by another 30 days, I would need to go to apply for an extension at least about a week before April 14th?

Does that sound right?

January 9, 2023 at 10:49 am

Hello there 75 days. Yes, that is true. And depending on where you apply for the extension, you can also apply much earlier.

January 23, 2023 at 4:38 am

I was wondering if you know the limit to how many visa free waivers you are allowed per year when entering by air to Thailand.

I have used a two month visa (June – Aug 22′) then two visa waivers (extending them both) with visa runs in between.

I am about to come back to Thailand in Feb and am a bit worried they are going to question me at the airport or refuse entry.

I’ve seen conflicting reports online that you are allowed up to six per calendar year and some say only two.

If you or anyone else can answer my question I would greatly appreciate it.

January 24, 2023 at 8:33 pm

Hi Conor, There are indeed conflicting reports about this. Some say a maximum of 4 times as well, and a big part of this depends on your personal travel history and stamps in Thailand, and whether the immigration officer had a bad day.

All the best, Deb

February 23, 2023 at 1:51 am

Hello Deb, May be you have information about land border with Malaysia and Myanmar… I would like to do visa run before end of march so I guess I could have an other 45 days waiver (I am canadian)? 1- wondering about Padang Besar (Malaysia) it’s use to be easy there… is it still the same? With night train to Bangkok… or I have to go to Hat Yai for catch this train? Do I need to stay one night in Malaysia? 2-wondering about Myanmar… Ranong and Mae Sot border… I heard that Mae Sot bridge is open but is this okay for visa run?… it’s you use to be…. Could I go Myanmar and come back Thailand in the same day? Thank you very much for all the infos you give! Philip

February 25, 2023 at 8:59 pm

Hi Philippe, While Laos still remains the safest and easiest of all, Malaysia is just fine. Have not heard any bad news about it pretty recently. You can take the overnight sleeper train to Penang besar. From there you can take an other train to penang, if you wish to stay in Malaysia but it is not really required.

Coming to the Mae Sot border in Myanmar, what I know is that you’ll be required to wait in the office while your passport is stamped and then asked to return immediately to Thailand. You can’t stay there overnight. You are only permitted to cross the bridge for the purposes of a border run.

Please update once you do it so that the others can benefit.

February 24, 2023 at 9:52 am

1st, many thanks for all helpful informations provided here.

I would like to ask for your kind confirmations on following 2 questions, please :

1) Got a first 45 days’ exemption (arrival by plane) expiring on March 4th. According to some others experiences here, a 30 days’ extension at Gvt Complex next week should then be no problem, yes ?

2) If exiting Thailand to Laos on March 30th then crossing back by land on the next day March 31st, could I normally still get another 45 days’ exemption ? And, if so, would that one be regularly elligible to an additional 30 days’ extension again ?

With great thanks and brgds.

February 25, 2023 at 9:02 pm

Hi J, Yes to the first question, and technically yes to the second one. Why wait until the last day to do this? 🙂

February 26, 2023 at 10:12 am

Hey Deb, Thanks for reply. To answer your question : just with the intention of bringing my stay in Thailand as far as it can go. ) By the way, did you have any actual report of that kind of border run by land getting a renewed 45 days’ exemption yet ?

February 26, 2023 at 11:49 am

Hi J, Yes, I surely do.

February 28, 2023 at 6:41 am

Hey Deb, Some update to whom it may be of some use : I can confirm that, in Bkk, visa extensions (at least for Tourist and 45 days waiver) are not processed at the Gvt Complex anymore but at IT Square (awful shabby place…) Surprisingly very few people there. So, except for the gloomy ambience, it went smooth and fast. Didn’t even take 15mns altogether to get my 30 days extension.

March 19, 2023 at 3:28 pm

Hi Deb, great article, but I’m still struggling to figure out what is my best option. I just wanted to explain my situation and hope you can offer the best advice! I am going to Thailand from England on 23rd May 2023 and I booked a return ticket back on the 20th August. I was planning to apply for a 60 day tourist visa and then extend for another 30 days. I now realise that it’s not great to assume that I will get the extension. Will this cause an issue that my return flight is already longer than the initial 60 days I will be offered? Will I need to book something else? Also is the 60 day tourist visa the best option? Or could I possibly arrive and get 45 days, leave the country briefly and then get another 45? Finally if I apply for an extension on the 60 day visa on say day 45, will the extension apply immediately, or be effective from the end of the 60 days? thanks so much if you can take the time to reply.

March 24, 2023 at 9:35 am

Hi Hollie, I believe you can do both but to me getting the SETV for 60 days and extending it would always be a better option, just because you could stay in the country for 90 days continuously. And the extension kicks in only when your 60 days expire, not from your date of application. So you are fine in that regard.

How to plan the flight tickets: https://thevisaproject.com/experience/thailand/thai-visa-extension/#What_to_Do_about_Onward_Ticket_for_Thai_Visa_Extension

Hope you have a good time in Thailand.

April 19, 2023 at 10:29 am

Hi Deb, Thanks for all the advice given on this page, it’s very useful. My situation is: I will return to Thailand on the 25th May after a two week trip to India. I have read various reports that people entering Thailand from India or China require medical insurance and a negative PCR test. Is this true and should I be buying insurance and getting tested beforehand? I cant find much info on this online. I am just worried I will be denied access if i don’t have these things. I am a British citizen and will be using the 30 day visa waiver if that makes a difference. Thanks again

May 2, 2023 at 10:19 am

Hi Conor, Sorry about the late reply. You do need travel insurance. This insurance must cover the duration of your stay in Thailand plus an additional 7 days from their planned date of departure. It should be of at least USD 10,000 and include treatment for COVID‑19 related costs.

There is no need for negative PCR test as far as I know.

Thanks, Deb

May 26, 2023 at 5:57 am

Thanks for the detailed guide! Didn’t realize there were so many offices outside of Bangkok. Just extended 30 days to my visa-exempt stay.

FYI for others in Ayutthaya: It went quickly (11am Friday). Can do photocopies (3 baht/page) and pictures across the street at a small shop with a camera sticker on the window.

Then a desk to fill out a few forms – one worker was very helpful and spoke some English. (And had white-out for things like when it said “date” but then the next line had month and year)

(Oh and no problem not having a collar in my photo, I’d read that elsewhere)

May 28, 2023 at 8:04 pm

Thanks a lot for the update Billy. Hope it helps everyone.

June 2, 2023 at 9:00 am

Thank you for all the advice up to this point, it is incredibly helpful.

I am going to explain my current situation and hope that I can get your advice on how to proceed. I am arriving in Thailand as a UK national on the 24th July 2023, and will be using the visa waiver for 30 days to travel the South of Thailand. I will then be travelling to Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos (staying 30 days in each place). I then want to re-enter North of Thailand and stay for another 30 days before flying back to the UK.

1. The re-entry permits online are not backpacking friendly as they ask where I am staying and I do not know this information, only the first 3 days usually. How do I get around this?

2. Should I apply for a re-entry permit and extension when I am in Thailand the first time, or go to the Thai Embassy in Laos and apply for re-entry and extension there?

3. Do you think this trip is risky trying to re-enter and extend the visa? Or do you think it will be simple to do?

Many thanks, Paige

June 7, 2023 at 10:55 am

Hi Paige, I believe in your case, it would be quite simple since you are using the visa waiver to enter both the times, and you are not really exceeding the limit or getting an extension.

I don’t think you would need re-entry permit. As per the hotel reservations, you can always do refundable reservations and then cancel them.

July 21, 2023 at 4:09 pm

I just need an advice, regarding risking a visa extension in IT Square Laksi, or to go on a border run to Cambodia. We (with my parents who are senior citizens) arrived in BKK from MNL last July 5 and will end Aug 3 (a 30 day visa exemption) to visit relatives and friends as well as tour and of course, go shopping. Our return ticket to MNL will be on Aug 20MN, to have enough rest for the elderly between travels and visits, thus the requirement to have a visa extension.

My great concern is, we are not staying in a hotel/resort but with my Aunt’s (my mom’s sister, with a non-immigrant O visa) house in Bangkok. This is where it goes possibly deep for the immigration with TM30 besides the TM7. I am not sure what or where TM30 further dives in to with regards to document requirements, but it will entirely be complicated. Some says it is simple, but my Aunt’s house is named under my uncle, and they are no longer together. Thus the complication deepens if we talk about TM30.

With our situation, I am not sure how the Thai immigration treats elderly aliens who just wants to visit and stay with relatives in Thailand, tour great sites with relative and friends, and do shopping for souvenirs to bring back home.

So my two options are: 1. Easy 30min – 1hr but risky visa extension in IT Square Laksi with a non refundable fee of thb1900 if denied because of TM30 concern and would have to rebook our tickets to go back home. 2. An assuring but tiring whole day border run to Cambodia with a elderly parents worth thb2500.

Any advice will be great for a Thai visa extension.

July 23, 2023 at 9:27 pm

Hi GB, I get your concern. Here is the thing. You do not really need proof of a TM30 to extend a tourist visa or visa exempt entry (though someone still needs to have submitted it for you). So the assumption here is that your uncle, the owner in this case, should have submitted this.

I would say that give it a try a week or so before so that in case it does not work out for any reason or a moody official, you still have time and energy to do a border run.

Hope it works out. My heart says it will. Please keep us updated.

August 7, 2023 at 4:18 am

Hello Deb, Great site and advice. My question re a scenario – Entered Thailand with a US passport for 60 days, then extended for 30 days whilst awaiting decision for a 5 year Elite Visa (with rules for Elite extension to 10 or 20 years). Then Thailand Elite announced a complete revamp of Elite visa and a discontinuation of a 5 year Elite but provided people a short time to pay more to upgrade to 10 or 20 years. A five year can still be granted, but the extension ability ceases so upgrade would have to occur about now. In October 2023 the Elite visa is likely to be much more expensive and possibly have less incentives. Therefore, although the 5 year elite is still awaiting approval, the changes required a backup plan to apply for an O-X long stay retired pensioner option application, now also submitted. Therefore, there are now two options awaiting approval by officials, and the current extension of 30 days is about to end. As it is changes by authorities that have created the unknown situation eith no indication when approvals or denials will occur, would officials be inclined to grant a second 30 day extension? I understand that your answer will be speculation based on experience, but your opinion is valued and may be used as a guide as to whether an attempt should be made to put the case forward. Otherwise, there will be added expense of moving out for a border run flight and return. Kind regards.

August 15, 2023 at 10:34 pm

Hi Mark, Yes, this is quite a situation. I understand your concern. In most countries in the world, if your visa application is under process, you don’t have to worry even if your current visa expires. I personally have been in this situation more than a few times and this is totally fine.

Thailand being Thailand, you can’t predict these things. If all your documents for the O-X are in order, they have no reason to deny it. I would say that be positive and wait for the approval. If I were in your shoes, I would have done that and faced the consequences in case things did not work out in the end.

But if you want to play it safe, a border run is always an option. Would love if you could update on the final outcome.

August 17, 2023 at 3:08 pm

Hi we was in Thailand for 30 days on the visa waiver stamp we have since left the country and visited Laos and currently we are in Vietnam. We are planning to fly back into Thailand soon. The question I have is can we get another 30 day waiver stamp when we arrive (we would’ve been out of Thailand for 20 days since our last visit) secondly if we can get another waiver stamp is it possible to pay to extend this for a further 30 days for 1900 Bhat? Or do we have to apply for a visa online? Thank you in advance for your reply!

August 19, 2023 at 2:54 pm

Hi Reece, Yes, you should be able to get a waiver and an extension. In case you decide to get an SETV in Vietnam, you can do so as well : https://thevisaproject.com/experience/thailand/tourist-visa-to-thailand-in-vietnam/

September 5, 2023 at 7:40 pm

Uwaga! Nie można przedłużyć wizy w dowolnym urzędzie! Musi być odpowiedni dla twojego adresu!

September 6, 2023 at 2:17 pm

I don’t really understand this comment but I will let it slide.

October 6, 2023 at 1:24 am

Hi, regarding the amount of visa waiver entries you can have per year: Siam Legal (who runs the Thai Embassy website) clarified that under the new rules, you can get up to two (2) entries by land per calendar year (Jan 1 – Dec 31) and up to six (6) by air. People who enter on the visa exemption / waiver can still extend by another 30 days. Thought this might be useful 🙂

Source: https://www.thaiembassy.com/thailand-visa/thailand-visa-latest-update

January 5, 2024 at 7:12 am

I just got a 30 day extension of my ’30 day visa exemption’ on arrival (w/ US passport) at IT Square Laksi. There are 2 photo & print /copy shops next door. They open at 8:30am, close from 12-1 for lunch, and stop taking new people about 3:30pm, closing at 4:30.

In addition to TM-7, there are 2 more forms they want you to fill out with your info but no other supporting docs. Bring your own pen!

Get there early to avoid having to wait through lunch break. After lunch things move slower as there were many ‘agents’ with 4500-5000b clients skipping the cue.

I tried the ‘new’ E-Visa system, but the next appointment was a week away, and then it was going to take 7-12 business days to ‘process’. You get to ‘skip the line’ by submitting your documents online, but you also have to pay another 500b. You can pay more to get faster processing: 1500 for 2-3day, and 5000 for same or overnight processing if my memory is correct.

January 30, 2024 at 3:03 pm

Thanks a lot Greg. This would definitely help the others a lot.

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How To Extend Your Thai Visa at Bangkok Immigration

Note : The information in this article is for those that are in Thailand on a tourist visa which was applied for outside of Thailand ( example : If you got a 2 month Thai tourist visa in Kuala Lumpur and want to extend it), and not for those who have just landed or crossed into the country and received a visa upon arrival.

You’re in Bangkok and your 2 month Thai tourist visa is just about to expire but you want to extend your Thai visa by 30 days to stay longer. What do you do?

The process is actually not too difficult and I think the most painful part is saying goodbye to 1,900 Thai Baht.

Here’s What You Need:

• Your passport
• 1,900 Thai Baht
• 1 filled in application (get it at the immigration office)
• 1 passport photo (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm, they aren’t too picky like some places)
• 1 photocopy of your passport, you current Thai visa, and your stamps into the country

Unlike other inconvenient visa procedure offices around the world, the Thai immigration is remarkably convenient.

You can get all your photocopies done once you’re there for just 1 Baht per page. Just walk to the photocopy center, tell them what you’re applying for and they will make the exact photocopies you need.

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Note : You need to have a valid phone number and Thai address to extend your Thai visa – you will be asked!

Steps to Extending Your Thai Visa

• The Thai Immigration office in Bangkok opens at 8:30 am. I normally just show up at about 9 am or so.
• Go to the Immigration Division 1 room, go to the counter, and tell them you want to extend your Thai visa by 30 days. They will look at your passport and give you the necessary form.
• Fill out the form, make your photocopies as needed, attach your passport photo, and then go back to the counter. They will let you proceed to the next room.
• Get a waiting number, which will take you to section J2.
• Once your number is called you walk into the office, the immigration officer will look over your application, ask you a question or two, and then accept your 1,900 THB.
• You’ll go back to wait for a few minutes (normally has taken me anywhere from 10 – 30 minutes) and wait to hear your number again.
• Once your number is called the second time, walk back in and simply pick up your passport with you extended Thai visa.

The process at Thai immigration normally takes me about 1 hour.

You’ll get 30 more days.

How To Get To Thai Immigration in Bangkok

Located way out on Chaeng Watthana Road and not too far from Bangkok’s Don Mueng Airport, it’s not the most convenient of locations.

Of course, you could easily take a taxi all the way there, but here’s how I get there by local transportation.

Take the BTS Skytrain to Mo Chit Station. Get out towards Chatuchak Weekend Market and get on bus #29 (about 8 Baht) heading north. Get off the bus at IT Square shopping center. From there you have to walk down Chaeng Watthana Road to the west, heading towards Pak Kret, then cross over the street and take bus #356 (9 THB) to Cat Telecom.

At Cat Telecom make a left onto the street, and the easiest thing to do is take a motorcycle for 20 Baht to the entrance of the immigration office.

Address : No. 120 Mu 3 Chaeng Watthana Soi 7 Thung Song Hong, Laksi Bangkok 10210 Hours : Monday – Friday from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm but closed for lunch break form 12 noon – 1 pm. Office closed on weekends and holidays.

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Michael Bell-Loffredo

9 months ago

i landed Aug 6 . only 3 days ago, Did i notice i was giving a 30 day visa. not 60 or 90 days. i never heard about applying for those on line though YouTube. now here i find i can get fined + deported . i have exact 9 day til i expire one agency quoted me 62,000 baht for a NON immigration Retirement O-A visa??? i just fly to another country for 7000 baht see YA

6 RAZÓNES POR LAS CUALES NO DEBERÍAS MANEJAR TU CASO DE LESIONES PERSONALES POR TU CUENTA

Generalmente, las personas que se representan a sí mismas brindan demasiada información al proveedor de seguros, dicen cosas incorrectas, presentan documentos incorrectos y/o reciben atención médica deficiente. Cualquier falla en estos cuatro puntos aminoran el valor de tu reclamo, o peor: puede resultar en el rechazo total de tu reclamo.

I’m came from America last January and I need to extend my visa today? Should I go to Chaeng wattana ot IT Square?

The visa extension office for short term visas (tourist) is now located at IT Square Laksi Plaza, 3rd Floor, not at Immigration Office Division 1. Easy to access via the Lak Si BTS station.

Htet Htet Aung

5 years ago

We are attending training at Bangkok since May 7, 2019. Training is extend to end of Aug’19 or Sep’19. Our visa’s period is 3 May 19 to 2 Aug 19. So we have to extension. So please help us , the process of extension and fees and what documents have to prove to Thailand immigration.

I m a nepali passport holder and with a tourist visa of 60 days.I want to extend for 30 days.can i do so?

Noel Griffin

I just went there today by taxi and this Immigration Building is one of TWO IDENTICAL buildings – A and B!! The building you want is B! These directions are for those of you who drive/ take a taxi and turn off the highway by Don Mueang Airport: When you turn off the main road onto Soi 7, continue past Building A on your left and follow the signs for about another kilometer and the Building B entrance right next to the Centra by Centara Government Complex Hotel on your right. Once you enter, you will get directions to the immigration section – the other end of the building from this entrance! You can get all your documents and photos done there as well. It is actually pretty efficient – i was in and out in about an hour!!! I also recommend getting there early!!

Hi, I’m on 60 days visit visa (Sri Lankan Passport Holder). I have 40 more days under current visa. Can I extend for 30 more days to be total 90 days? or should I first complete 30 days under current visa before applying for extension?

6 years ago

Hey, great info! Do you know if you can get the passport photos taken at immigration as well?

I bought Airticket on 31st May but My visa is valid until on 30th May. Should I extend visa for 1 day? Or Should I have to pay fine? Is it problem? Pls advise me.

By chance are there any other locations tomget my thai visa expended???

I am actually sitting at immigration as I type this and i just wanted to share my trip here. Getting Here and What to Bring: Passport, 1900 bhat(bring more to be safe), proof of residence, a valid phone number, and some patience. You can obtain the TM-7 application here, and photocopies. Warning about the photocopies downstairs; they will try to give you 2 copies. You need 3. Picture page/signature, Departure/Arrival Card, AND, current Visa. Save the 3 bhat and get it down downstairs to avoid surprises.

Getting Here: I arrived here by catching MRT to Chatuchuk Park Station Exit 2, and took a minivan. The minivans are located on the road as soon as you get off from Chatuchuk Park Exit 2. They are lined up 4 deep, at least today they were, and you want to first one. Be safe and ask which on goes to the Government Center. They cost 25 bhat. From what I know they do not go all the way to the Government Center but stop past CAAT Telecom and IT Park. It is about a 3km walk to the front door or you can catch a motorcycle taxi. I walked 1.5km, got lazy, then caught a motorcycle taxi for 10 bhat to the front door.

Head on in and look for Division 1 to your right, head in grab you TM-7 from information desk, get your copies downstairs, fill out TM-7, and take it back to info desk, they will give it back, walk past the door, give it to the nice Thai behind the desk, receive your queue card (J2, Number Whatever, Counter 31-33. Now you just wait. Don’t fret, watch a movie, get some pretty good food in the court downstairs, or take a nap in 15 minute increments. Soon your time will come. Give the lady whatever they ask for in counters 31-32, pay 1900, then go sit back down again and wait for your same number to be called to counter 33.

I assume after you visit 33 you are done. Now you have 30 more days. Want more days? Try your hand at Teaching. Just landed a 10 month contract which will put my time here at 16 months. Do not try to teach on a tourist visa. Get with a good school and be a legal teacher.

This place is actually pretty cool and you could make a day just hanging out. Cheap food, coffee, and people from all over the world.

Ryan Herter

Print Passport page Intro & Latest Thai Visa Print TM7 after completing with Adobe Fill&Sign Picture 4x6cm 1900฿ http://immigrationbangkok.com/thailand-immigration-forms/

Adobe Fill and Sign is a free app Pictures are valid for 3 months Easier and cleaner to fill the form on your device and print also if you prepare everything prior to arrival at immigration office thing flow much smoother like the waves of the ocean

Marie-Nathalie Raymond

Thanks Paul, I took 52 like you’ve mentioned. Also to be had, no need to take a motorcycle taxi from cat Telecom since the have FREE transportation all the way to the front door of the building. Also, copy is 4baht.

Do you need to show your return flight (with a date < 60 days from arrival) when you arrive on a tourist visa? I'd like to book a round-trip 90-day flight, get into the country on a 60-day tourist visa, and extend to 90 while I'm there.

Dr. Win Thida Hlaing

I am a trainee at Rajavithi hospital ,Bangkok.I have to attend the training for one year. I got 3 month visa till 10th April 2018.And so I want to do my visa extension next week.Are those requirements the same for me ?. Do l need any recommendation from hospital.Is the place of immigration the same.?

Fyi, you can only extend the visa after you have been in the country for 30 days.

Can I get a 30 day visa extension on a visa exempt on arrival. I’m from the U.S.

If you actually read the article…….you would see that you can’t FML

FYI, I extended a visa on arrival for another 30 days in January 2018. Canadian passport, same procedure as listed but I was given the extension.

jabran samuel

7 years ago

dear ogee, thanks your kind information for travelers who dont know way to extaend visa in thailand. thanks jabran samuel pakistan

hey Mark, my friend Phil took notes from this page to go to the immigration by bus, and discovered that bus #52 goes straight from BTS Mo Chit to Cal Telecom.

Hi. Can I get a passport photo taken at the immigration office.

Hi! Very helpful post. Do you know if the same extension process applies for people who enter Thailand with the 30 day visa exemption? Thanks 🙂

FIRST LINES OF THE ARTICLE: “Note: The information in this article is for those that are in Thailand on a tourist visa which was applied for outside of Thailand (example: If you got a 2 month Thai tourist visa in Kuala Lumpur and want to extend it), and not for those who have just landed or crossed into the country and received a visa upon arrival.”

This article seems to be out of date, I was given an extension with a visa exemption.

Hi there, Have a question. Help please. I dont have a permanent adress in Bangkok. Just staying in my friend s house. What should I write in Adress Line and will there be some problems during a dialog with an officer?? Thank you!

hey super info. thx. by the way i took a bus 116 from the same huge building back to Victory Square. it was 18 bhat. might be an alternative to the bus exchange (which was a little tricky)

Thanks for the helpful article. I followed your directions to get there, got the 29 bus to the IT Square area, then I caught a taxi from there. No problems. I arrived at the immigration office at about 9:30am on a Monday and waited for about 2 hours to be called the first time, then about 15 min the second time. Just as I was given my visa extension everyone was told to leave the area “for security reasons” at 12:30 maybe that happens every day for lunch? Anyway for me it all went smoothly and exactly as you described, but be aware if you need to do this you should pretty much write off the day, as the whole thing took me about 6 hours including the travel time from Bangkok.

P.S. The taxi from IT Square to the immigration office cost 55 baht. The taxi from the immigration office to Mo Chit BTS cost 85 baht. So next time I will probably just take a taxi both ways from Mo Chit BTS.

My uncle and family came to Phuket for a visit. He got one medical emergency and now he is admitted in Bangkok Hospital in Phuket and not able to travel now. s.. With him now his wife and daughter is there and wanted to extend their Visa as it is expring in this 10th. Please help to know what is the process as they are alone there now.

[email protected]

Dear Sir, My friend (Indian ) got the visa on arrival and she do need to extend stay in Thailand for 7 days. She can extend her visa at the Bangkok Immegration , Chaeng Wattana or not? Please kidnly advise.

Yes.. as with most countries going to thai, the people gets a 30 days tourist visa on arrival. To extend, she can make a visa run to laos or malaysia which will give her 14 days visa extension(very tiring due to the long travelling time). Or just go extend her visa as per what the blog writer wrote

Hi, I’d like to know when the earliest you can apply for a visa extension, is a month ahead too early?

I did it 40 days ahead and it was fine

Is the visa extension from the date the visa expires or the date the extension is applied for? When is the immigration office closed over Christmas and New Year?

Right on most documents but still…sorry Wrong by Omission! Jomtien Immigration Office Requires Everyone Applying For An Extension of the Ordinary Non-Visa 30 Day Permit to Supply proof of their hotel in a document form. If you do not have it they will not believe that you are in “such and such hotel at such and such address” and want to extend your stay by 30 days!

R. L. Williams

8 years ago

Thank you. Clear to the point Wrt. Getting to the. Visa office. May be better to pay 100 bht for motorcyle lift to office then

Bus it back or else as suits.

Less stress and. Whoopee ????????????????????

Ps www. Utube. Self liberation. Namkai. Norbu. Rinpoche

Hi R.L. you’re welcome, good luck with everything at immigration.

The extension of 1 month of my two month tourist visa I can use it how much I want in 1 year thankyou.malta

Kathy Williams

Thank you so much I Have not been in Thailand for 5 years the country change a lot your derection very help full I would lost with out you I was borne here but I stay in USA it very nice to be back home again Thailand is beautiful.

Hi Im holding Indian Passport . I come here on Tourist visa which is of 90 days but i can stay only 60 days as per law. now im running out of my visa by end of this month. I like to stay more 15/20 days if possible. Please advice me how where and how much will cost too. Im Indian and it seems everything not easy for indian . Thanks regards

Excellent ! Thankyou !

Nini Gay Corpuz

thank you so much for the information. This is very helpful.

Michelle Reyes

Hello Mark,

I would like to know if i extended 15days in Cambodia after that 15days can i extend my visa in any immigration in Thailand? Your answer will be helpful.

Thanks…

Thanks for your very helpful information, I have one question for my sister. She is from USA.and she has to do visa extend for I more month. The thing is she is in border of Thailand and Myanmar. Is there any place that she can apply her extend visa in Mae sot city? Please reply me.

Hey Wah, I’m honestly not sure, but I think the closest place is Chiang Mai. Sorry about that, and all the best!

9 years ago

Hi! Just a question. I have a double entry visa. My first entry (2 months) is about to expire. I need to do a show up in Cambodia to activate the second entry. Is it ok to request an extension in Chaeng wattana than doing the show up in cambodia? Tnx!

Jill Charpia

Hi Mark, I am a US citizen looking to at applying to Le Cordon Bleu in either Thailand or Malaysia. Would you have a recommendation based on which country would be the most interesting/affordable? Also do you know the best way to locate housing located near the schools? and Lastly, do you need a car to get around or is it primarily taking taxis? Thank you so much for your thoughts! Jill Charpia

hello thanks for the useful info. how many passport size photos they require? what other documents to bring ?

We’re currently in Bangkok on a 60 day tourist visa. We travel to Japan in November (one week AFTER our current tourist visa expires.). I am American and my partner is Canadian.

Two part question: can we get one week extension on our current visa?

While in Japan, can we apply for a another 60 day visa or are there some rules about applying for consecutive visas?

We’d like to avoid making visa runs every couple of weeks.

Thank you for your help!

Hi John, yes you should be able to both extend your visa at immigration no problem. Also, you should be able to apply in Japan on consecutive visas. Usually people only start running into problems with many visa, more like 5 – 10 or so, but usually 2 is fine. Hope you have a great trip!

Hi I am planning to travel to bangkok this july. I’m planning to stay for 1month and 20days. My 1month stay will be covered by the 30days free stay on stamp on arrival right?. How can I extend for my 20 days of stay? I have a return flight at august 20. I heard about 30days extension of stay but I do not have a tourist visa I only have on stamp arrival. I came from dubai and wanted to stay in thailand for 1month and 20days, I have ticket going to Philippines on August 20,2015.

Hey Richard ! If you’re in with a 30 days visa exemption I think you could only extend for 7 days more. The 30 days extension is for tourist visa only… Maybe things have change though, as they often change rules… Maybe Mark will know. But why don’t you just get a classic 2 months tourist visa? Easy to obtain and then you’ll enjoy your stay in Thailand without anything else to do and think about.. 🙂

can i go anytime at any immigration offices for my 30days extension? or is there a specific date i can go within my 30day free stay? i came from dubai and il stay in thailand then go back to philippines.

“The 30 days extension is for tourist visa only” i only have 30days free on stay when I arrive at the airport not tourist visa,right? am i still able for the 30day extension?hope so.

Where can i get 2 months tourist visa? Do i need to exit to Laos? or can i get it at bangkok imigration once i arrive?

Your response is highly appreciated

Hi Chard, if you fly into Thailand on 30 days you can extend I think just by 7 days, I’m not sure of the latest. But if you go outside of Thailand, you can then apply for a 60 day tourist visa, and then once in Bangkok, you can apply for a 30 day extension, making it 3 months altogether.

To answer your first question, you can go to immigration at any point in your 30 days (or 60 days) and get an extension and it will start once the 30 days is over.

All the best!

Hey Richard! As Mark and I said if you arrived withouth visa you’ll be granted a free 30 days of stay BUT only 7days as an extension so all in a row it will be 37 days for 1900bahts. If you apply for a 2 months tourist visa BEFORE departure you will pay about the same but will be in for 60 days without anything to do then. The tourist visa is done in any Thai embassy or consulate in your country of stay. Usually done in a week (5 days) That was the rules last year when I was there for 8 months and after a few researches it seems to still be the same in 2015. Only In case you’re married to a Thai citizen you could have the 30 days extension without a 2 months tourist visa. If you’re not i’ll go for a tourist visa of 2 months. As Mark said tou can extend anytime during your stay. I’ve been doing this within my 10 last days and neer had any troubles. It’s just a half day spent at immigration office in Bangkok withh all the papers ready.

Thanks for the added input Koni!

Thanks Koni!

hi Mark, thanks for the info and it is very easy to understand. i have a inquiry, i’m currently holding a single entry 60 days visa and will definately extend it to stay a total of 90 days. After 90 days will go to a neighboring country to apply again the 60 days visa then extent again to make it 90 days, so this 2nd time 30 days extension would it be rejected by immigration and how many times am i allow to do this 90 days visa?

Hey Sue, you should be fine. But one idea to reduce the amount of times you apply for a visa is to go somewhere where you can apply for a double entry, that way you get two visas in one application. So far I don’t think there’s any official limit to the amount of visas you can get.

Hi Mark, is it possible to do the 30 day extension on a multi trip tourist visa, or only on a single?

Hi Jonathan, yes you can extend on a multiple entry visa.

My Non B visa will expire Feb 13. Can I extend in Bangkok with a 30 day tourist visa? Let me clear. I don’t want to extend my Non B. I want to convert to tourist 30 day extension. Possible? I won’t be starting my new job for a month or 2. Help me with knowledge please.

Hi! Any update on this one? I’m planning to do the same and I don’t want to go outisde Bangkok to process my visa.

Sorry I mean 30 day not 3.

My non b visa will expire in early Feb. Can I get a 30 day extension at Chang wattana for this. I guess this means they will convert my non b to tourist. I want a 3 day tourist extension, not a non b extension. Can I do this?

Hi Jamie, thanks for the comment. I’m personally honestly not sure, I’ve never done this. Maybe anyone else knows?

Hi Mark, I have recently arrived from Oz and found your website, most informative, simply the best. I came on a single entry 90 day tourist visa with the proviso of the 30 day extension. Being at Surin I thought it would be great to do a side trip to Angkor Wat. Is there a way of getting a visa for the trip. It would only be for a few days. Thanks Dave

Hey Dave. If your visa is a single one and you would like to travel outside of Thailand for a short period inside your visa period, then a re-entry permit will be needed or your tourist visa will be canceled once you’re leaving Thailand. I found these infos, but you better should double-check those to be sure :

” A re-entry permit must be obtained at the immigration office designated for your area. While it states that in an emergency it can be obtained at the airport no member has yet reported whether or not it is possible. When applying for a re-entry permit you will need to submit the following : * A completed TM-8 form * The correct fee * A 2″ photo * Photocopy of passport (main page, visa page and latest entry stamp)

Current fees for re-entry permit are 1,000 Baht for a single re-entry. ”

Hope it helps.

Great information, thank you for sharing Nico.

10 years ago

Hi, I am wondering if I can also make passport photos at Bangkok immigration office. Anyone got any experience? I have been there several times to do my visa extinction but cannot remember if I have seen there any photoshop or photo boot to do passport photos.any help?? Thanks

Hi Jan, yes you can, downstairs same shop where you can make copies, they will do photos too.

Your information is very useful. It reminds me how the process of extending visa be. What I need to go there is very important. By the way, I found out bus no 52 from Mochit passed across the CAT because last 2 weeks ago I went there for 90 day-stay. If your journey starts from MBK, you can use bus 29 to Mochit or IT square shoppcing center. Thanks !

Hey Wink, great to hear from you, thank you for sharing the extra useful info.

Hi Mark, I wanted to know if I can renew my Non Immigrant ED visa in advance, like a week before the expiry date.

Thanks Mark

Hey Manuel, not sure about a ED visa, but I think so.

Thank you Mark for your reply

Great info! Im a yearly traveler to Thailand and will forever be coming back here if not moving to Thailand! I wanted to ask if you have any idea concerning extending a 60 day tourist visa within the 6 month passport expiry time frame and can immigration officers when entering Thailand actually shorten your supposed duration of stay?

Well im asking all this because i need to know if all will be smooth if i travel a few weeks before i hit the “6 months” passport expired validity time frame.

Thanks alot

Hey Al, hmm I’m honestly not sure about that. However, they often say that you need a passport valid for more than 6 months to enter a country, so it might be a bit risky. If I can find any other details will let you know.

I need to go get my 30 day extension soon and was wondering how many days in advance I should get it? If I go to get it, say, a week in advance, will the extension start on the day I get it, or on the day my original tourist visa ends?

Your advice has been immensely helpful! Thank you!

Hey Jess! Yes you can apply for your extension whenever you want during your last month available on your tourist visa. The extension will start at the end of the stamp date from your visa even if you get there 1 or 2 weeks before that end date. It wont start on the day you get it at the immigration office, dont worry.

Hi Jess, you can really go to extend any day, and the extension will start as soon as your official date of your visa ends. So you can apply a week in advance and the extension will start the day your other visa ends. All the best.

Thanks guys!! That may have been an amateur question of me, but I couldn’t find an answer to that detail anywhere. Just got back from Immigration. Easiest process ever and it only took 45 mins in the actual office! It helped to have all this advice beforehand, though, going into it. 🙂 I’m really glad people take the time to share their experiences, because it’s made mine that much smoother! Cheers!

Hi there, I want to extend my 60 day tourist visa for another 30 days. Does anyone know if this is possible considering the current conditions (martial law, curfew, etc.)? Where do I have to go, is the immigration office still closed?

Thanks for any help!

Also, I want to volunteer and the school sais I only need a tourist visa. On the internet I read that I need a working permit, though. Do you know anything about that?

You are right even for volunteer you should have a work permit to stay legal.. They might be “kikhiat” 😉 (lazy) to do all the paper work i guess. But be aware that with a tourist visa only you may face both fine and deportation…

I’m not fully sure about the requirements for volunteering, but probably the website is correct as they should state the law. Many schools or organization don’t always abide by the laws, but at the same time, it’s not really enforced. All the best.

Hi Linda. The immigration office at Chaeng Watthana is anounced to reopen on june the 2nd. Before that there are still 2 temporary offices at Major Hoolywood suksawak and at Ladphrao. I may advise you to check the forum Thaivisa.com where all these infos are up to date. And from what i’ve heard coup and curfews doesn’t change anything you should still be able to extend.

Hi Linda, yes it’s possible still. This immigration office is scheduled to re-open starting on Monday. If you need to go today or tomorrow you can either go to the Ladprao or Suksawat location: http://bangkok.immigration.go.th/intro1.html

Hello, Iam an Indian. Actually i wanted to ask you that, iam in Bangkok right now and i have 10 days left for my 2 month tourist visa to expire. Can indians have a 30 day extention too?

Why is this not replied, i want to ask the same question, things and rules are different for Indians.

Hey Mark !! Just read a few post above that as now married to a thai, you’ve managed to get a 60 days extension of stay?

I’m in that case, my 60 days tourist visa ends on April 26th and i planned to get a 30 days ext. soon (after songkran) when I also read on a forum about that 60 days possibility as married to a thai.

Would love a feedback on the process : Did you use it? Any difficulties ? I’d also like to be updated about what documents are needed to obtain this extension. I heard same as a classic 30 days (passport and visa stamp copies, a photo + 1900Tb) plus Mariage certif, house book of your wife and her presence with you at the office. Am I right ? nothing about financial prooves or outbound flight ticket ?

Thanks in advance for your help. I should be there on 17th-18th as soon as i know when office reopen after songkran 🙂

Hey Koni, Yes you’re absolutely right – that’s what I’ve been doing since I got married. I keep meaning to update this article with the latest info about being married.

You need to bring your wife, plus copies of a house contract, her ID, and also copies of your marriage certificate (although to be safe you might actually need your real marriage certificate, because the last time I went, they said they had been getting a lot of fakes and needed the real thing).

Nope, don’t need to show bank or have any flight.

60 days really helps! I’ve done it about 5 times already and haven’t had a problem.

All the best, Mark

Thanks Mark. I’ll let you know, will be doing this friday or next one after Songkran. Thanks and have a great songkran if in Bangkok ! (And if so i’d be glad to share a beer one day…) Cheers!

You’re welcome, all the best, yah that would be great!

So… Mark. It went quite smoothly, and 60 days extension was granted. The lady even told me that I could ask 1st for 30 days then to come back for the 60 days, That’s a 90 days extension for a tourist visa if married… Wasn’t sure about that and fears that next month another officer would tell me ‘no you already had 30 days’… So I just asked for the 60 days as I’ll have to be out of Thailand in june and then will be asking another visa before entrance. I’ve been doing all this in the temporary Major Hollywood office on Suksawad road.

Here was my little feedback 😉

Hey Koni, sorry for the late reply, glad it worked out well. Thanks for leaving your feedback!

Robert Davies

Great website. I like it a lot. The new Richard Barrow!!

I have a 3 entry tourist visa and am in Thailand on my third and final entry. My current visa expires on the 8th April. Can I apply to have a 30 day extension? If so, when and where should I do it? A few days before it expires? Is it still at the same building you did yours or has it changed?

The enter before date of my tourist visa is: 26 Feb 2014

Hey Robert, thanks, good to hear from you! Yes, you should be able to extend your visa at this same location. Actually I just asked the staff there, and they said you can apply for the extension before your visa expires, and the 30 day extension will start as soon as your real visa expires. Best of luck!

Thanks so much. Where do I get this extension to my visa? I have heard that the office has now switched buildings because of the ‘riots’.

I have just extended my tourist visa another 30 days and they used the date from when my visa would have expired (8th April) rather than today (21 March). It was a relatively painless experience as well, only took just over an our. I had to get it done at Imperial World, Ladprao as the immigration office at Chaeng Wattana is still closed.

Thanks for your help.

Fantastic Robert, thanks for sharing!

planning for travel thailand within this week……welcome me n my friend….actually we lover….where to travel…which will be better, please let me know…

Thanks for the info. I just have one question. For the tourist visa which I got in Guangzhou, China, I had to provide a flight ticket. This is not necessary for the extension here in Bangkok?

Thanks in advance!

Hey Bossel, no I haven’t needed to supply flight info to extend my visa.

Hey Mark, first things first: me and my cousin absolutely love your food videos. Whenever i feel down i just watch your face go into pure.enjoyment mode when you taste something in one of your videos.and.my day’s good again:D.

Anyway. I’ve got a double entry visa and.im.about to enter thailand fromIndia. Having been.in thailand before, i can already tell i probaly waant to extend this into.another double entry visa when this one runs out (im planning to stay for some time in thailand.and rent a place.). Do you know if this is at all possible??

Cheers! And keep the videos comming! 😀

Hey Joel, thank you so much for watching my video, I highly appreciate it. Yes, that should be fine. You should have any problem renting a place on a tourist visa, as long as you fork out the money and deposit. Best of luck, and thanks again!

albert cabrera

Hi,just checking that USA can go to Chaeng Watthana Road” to extend Visa for 30 days,there website made it seem to accommodate those living in Bangkok.

Hey Albert, yes you should be able to!

Frank Murky

Train to Laksi station and then a 20 baht mororbike taxi to government center will work also.

sounds ez. have to find the complete train departure schedule have one in BTS somewhere I recall. mabye mrt/train as asoke ?

11 years ago

Thank you Mark, that is very helpful. I’m planning right now my next trip to thailand with the wish of staying 3 months. So that sounds like the perfect solution: applying for a 2 months visa before travelling, then extending it by 30 days.

But like Joshy asked do you know if the extension starts the day you apply or at the end of your visa?

Moutassem a fellow blogger who loves to travel

Hey Moutassem,

Great to hear from you and that you’re planning on coming to Thailand for a few months. I always thought that the visa extension started on the day you applied for it, but I’m actually not totally sure. I’m going there in a couple of weeks and I’ll ask!

Are you sure that the extension starts from the day you apply. In the thread on “http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/431925-how-to-extend-your-tourist-visa-a-guide/” says the extension will be applied to the end of the expiry date irrespective of when you go?

Please accept my appreciation , bcoz it was my anxiety . Tomorrow i will go there and i hope as you mentioned already , it be easy … could you please tell me , can I change my tourist 2 entry visa into student (ED VISA)? how much does it cost?

I actually have a non-immigrant visa type F which is valid in 3 months from July – October/2013, I want to extend my visa to the 1 year type. I was wondering how long I would have to wait until i can get my visa back? I have official papers too. A friend of mine said it would take 2 weeks, 3 weeks tops. But some also say it can take up to 4 weeks? Thank you

Please tell me about marriage , rule and regulation in Thailand . thank you Mark

Hey Massound, if you are married to a Thai, you can actually get the family extension, which is valid for 60 days instead of 30.

An immigration officer at Chaeng Wattana told me a few months back that one could get two 60-day extensions of the tourist visa based on marriage – I already have one and would like to get another to have time to replace my British passport (at the cheaper rate that becomes effective on April 7 – but takes four weeks, which means for me the passport comes back after the current visa has expired.)

Anyone have any insights, experiences?

Hi Cameron, good to hear from you. I’m not totally sure about this one. I recently go married to my Thai wife, and I can extend my tourist visa by 60 days 1 time, but hadn’t heard about 2 times. Hopefully someone here can help!

Matthew Karsten

Great guide Mark. Just used it today. Took about an hour. Wanted to add a few updates to help anyone else:

– From Mo Chit BTS station you can jump in a taxi-van to the Government complex for 25 Baht – There is a free shuttle bus (red) that will take you from the entrance of the complex to the immigration building, no need to hire a moto taxi. – Copy machines and photo printing is available inside the immigration building (bottom floor). – I successfully received a 7 day extension on my 15 day overland visa this way

Hey Matthew, thank you very much for the update!

Thanks. That’s ez enough. The fiasco of city bus to Morchit stop is another story to the Bus- BTS station.

Happytravels

Hi Mark, thanks for the very helpful article. I have a double entry visa (which was obtained when I was in Laos) and am on the first part the visa (the first 60 days). How’s does the visa extension work? Can I go to immigration now and they will tag the 30 extension onto day 60 or do I literally have to go there on 59th day and then request an extension? Thanks in advance for your help.

You have to go there on the last day that your visa expires (or a few days before), and it will be valid immediately as you get it… so no, you can’t get it ahead it ahead of time and save it for when your visa expires.

how to get my thai retirement visa without waiting 60 days after I got my 90 day O visa from Bkk ? I wait why. I must have this to get my saudi work visa. Does this new rule make any sense …..or a way to work around it ?

Anyone in Wattana immigration can help.

Where is the trains to Laksi or WAttana ? connect from Bkk BTS or MRT ?

It took me 6 hours last time I did it. It was a monday. Some people told me, it’s better to avoid this day of the week because like to go on monday. Sounds stupid but…

Hmm, sorry it took so long. I’ll avoid monday in the future.

Thanks for the tips. Used your info today and had a hassle free visa extension.

Great to hear that Lorne!

I love wandering but Bangkok is one of the best country.So thank u for posting information regarding to travel.

No problem Robin, glad you like Thailand!

Great blog Mark, I like all your articles. How did you manage to stay in Thailand for so long? Are you a PR now? Or are you doing visa run? Hope you don’t mind me asking this.

Hey Vincent, I’ve done quite a few visa runs, and I’m still on a tourist visa. However, I’m now engaged and will get married to a Thai, so things will change in the future. Have you lived, or are you living in Thailand?

Thanks for your sharing! How if i was not in Bangkok, i am currently at Phuket for example?

Hey Michael, I’m actually not sure as I’ve never done it from anywhere else in Thailand than Bangkok.

I thought theres a new video every wednesdy ???????????????? you have to make it up to us

Hey Jamal, the new video on Wednesday will publish on YouTube, but on this website I’ll publish that same video on Sunday each week! Thank you very much for following!

Jean Galea – FitforBlogging.com

Very useful, thank you. Will bookmark this as I might need it later. Is the extension given only from Bangkok (I’m in Chiang Mai)?

Hi Jean, thanks, glad you found this useful. I’m really not fully sure of the circumstances in Chiang Mai for renewing a visa, but I know the main place is in Bangkok at the immigration office.

Chiang Mai Immigration is easy to find, as it is located next to the airport. Process is pretty much the same as in BKK.

Great, thanks Hondo!

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Thailand extends visa exemption for Indians. Here's what all you can see beyond Bangkok

Thailand's popularity amongst indians can be attributed to various factors, including its affordable food, accommodation, vibrant nightlife, and serene landscapes..

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• Indians' travel to Thailand has surged due to various reasons including affordable lifestyle and social media influence
• This has lead to an extension in the Visa-free entry policy for Indian citizens
• Thailand's popularity is increasing due to its stunning beaches, vibrant cities, delicious cuisine and amazing nightlife

In 2024, Indians are travelling more than ever before. In fact, several surveys project our total travel expenditures to reach $410 billion by 2030.

So popular, but why?

Thailand's popularity amongst Indians can be attributed to various factors, including its affordable food, accommodation, vibrant nightlife, and serene landscapes, all just a four-and-a-half-hour flight from the national capital, Delhi (that too at low prices).

Another reason is the hype that has been created on social media by Indians and Indian travel influencers that has showcased Thailand as the ultimate "party heaven".

This has also drawn a lot of people to Thailand who want to rejuvenate themselves from their daily life.

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Visa-free for Indians

• Out of all the reasons that we have told you, Thailand’s popularity further surged when, last year, it declared a visa-free entry policy for Indian citizens.
• This policy, which was introduced on November 10, 2023, and was initially set to expire on May 10, 2024, further bolstered Thailand's appeal.

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Thailand extends visa exemption for Indian and Taiwanese tourists till November 11

Sun-seekers rejoice!  Thailand has extended its visa-free entry for tourists from India and Taiwan, making it easier than ever to explore the Land of Smiles. According to reports, Thai prime minister Srettha Thavisin announced the move, aiming to revitalise Thailand’s tourism industry, a crucial pillar of the nation’s economy.

Previously, visitors from these countries had a 15-day limit with a visa-on-arrival system. Now, they can enjoy extended stays of up to 30 days, visa-free, until November 11. This extended timeframe allows them to delve deeper into Thailand’s rich tapestry of cultural experiences, from bustling street food scenes to ancient temples and pristine beaches.

This decision builds upon the success of a similar program launched in November 2023. Recognising tourism’s vital role in its economic recovery, Thailand has been strategically relaxing visa regulations for visitors from key markets like China and Russia, stated sources. 

So far, the strategy seems to be paying off. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports reported a significant surge in tourist arrivals during the first four months of 2024, with a 39 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. Interestingly, tourists from India, along with visitors from China, Malaysia, Russia, and South Korea, make up a significant portion of this influx.

For Indian travellers especially, Thailand holds a particular charm. Its geographical proximity and budget-friendly options make it an ideal getaway destination. Whether it’s indulging in mouthwatering street food, exploring historical wonders, or soaking up the sun on idyllic beaches, Thailand offers an unforgettable experience that keeps Indian tourists returning back for more. 

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Thailand’s E-Visa

Thailand is the perfect getaway for people who want to experience South East Asia. Long considered the hub of Asia’s Tourism Industry, it offers foreigners a taste of the exotic. Friendly locals, delicious food, warm beaches, and beautiful mountain regions provide unique experiences that many will not find in the West.

The pandemic changed the way people looked at travel, and Thailand invested a lot of time and effort into its E-Visa system during this time when social distancing was paramount. Their system allows visitors to apply for single and multiple-entry tourist visas online, so there is no need for many nationalities to visit Embassies and Consulates.

There are many ways for foreigners to enter Thailand. A visa may not be required if you intend to stay for less than 30 days and are from a Visa Exempt country. The Visa Exemption scheme is open to 64 nationalities from around the world. If you do not come from a visa-exempt country, you can apply for a Visa on Arrival when you arrive in Thailand. This visa will allow you to stay for 15-30 days depending on your nationality.

But 30 days is often not enough. Covid reminded people that travel is a luxury and can be taken away. Knowing this, if people have the time, they do not want to escape for a weekend but look to longer-term options. A Single Entry Tourist Visa allows people to visit Thailand for 60 – 90 days, while a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa gives people unlimited entries of 60 – 90 days over a 6-month period.

Below you will learn a little about these two visas, and how using the Thailand E-Visa system can streamline your process and approval.

What is a Single Entry Tourist Visa?

A Single Entry Tourist Visa allows foreign nationals one entry into Thailand for tourism, leisure, or medical reasons. It gives someone permission to stay in the county for 60 days. The stay can be extended another 30 days by visiting a local Thai Immigration Office.

The visa has a 3-month validity from the time of approval. This means that people have 3 months to enter Thailand from the date their visa is approved. Once they arrive, they are granted permission to stay for 60 days. This allows people to plan ahead.

What is a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa?

A Multi-Entry Tourist Visa allows foreign nationals unlimited entry to Thailand over a 6-month period. It is issued to people who visit the country for tourism, leisure, or medical purposes. 

People with a multi-entry visa can stay in Thailand for up to 60 days per visit. They can leave the country and return without having to worry about another visa. This is perfect for those who want to use Thailand as a hub for visiting the diverse countries of Southeast Asia. This period of stay can also be extended by 30 days by visiting a local Immigration Office.

Both Visas allow a person to enter Thailand either by air, land, or sea.

What is a Thailand E-Visa?

The E-Visa gives people access to the two visas above. It is an online platform that allows people to apply, monitor, and pay for their visas so they do not need to visit a Thai Embassy or Consulate. It is currently the simplest way to obtain a visa and organize your Thai holiday.

Foreigners can apply for their e-visa at https://thaievisa.go.th/

What is the cost of an E-Visa?

A Thailand E-Visa will cost USD$82 (or equivalent) no matter your nationality. This payment is made through the E-Visa secure web portal when you submit the application. The fee is non-refundable.

How to Apply for a Thailand E-Visa?

The first step is to visit https://thaievisa.go.th/ When applying for a visa online, applicants need to create an account and apply as individuals. Once the account is created, individuals will need the following documents:

• (Single Entry) A current passport with no less than 6 months validity and at least 2 blank pages. (single entry). Applicants must complete online visa applications with their given name(s) and surname matching their passports.
• (Multiple Entry) A current passport with no less than 6 months validity beyond the date of departure from Thailand and at least 2 blank pages. Applicants must complete online visa applications with their given name(s) and surname matching their passports.
• A passport-style photo that can be uploaded
• Intended date of travel
• Proof of accommodation in Thailand, e.g. hotel booking, invitation letter from family or friend in Thailand
• (Single Entry) Financial evidence – Bank statement or proof of earnings (equivalent to 10,000 Thai Baht for individuals or 20,000 Thai Baht for families.)
• (Multiple Entry) Financial evidence showing a balance of 200,000 Thai Baht (approx. £5000, USD$5,5000, Aud$8000). This is to prove financial stability over a 6-month period. e.g. bank statements, proof of earnings, sponsorship letter from employer

After creating an account, people will enter the following information:

• Apply as an individual
• Apply for a new visa
• Check Eligibility
• Choose the type of Tourist Visa
• Upload a scan of your passport for biodata
• Enter personal information, including home address, phone, nationality, date of birth, and marital status
• Enter Employment details
• Complete travel information, including accommodation and flights (if booked)
• Upload supporting documents – Noted above
• Proceed to the secure payment portal

E-Visa applicants do not need to submit their passport and original supporting documents in person at a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate. People will receive a reference number by email to monitor their application.

After the e-Visa application has been approved, a confirmation email is sent to applicants. It is best to print a copy of the confirmation email when you are ready to travel. This will be presented to airlines and Thai Immigration officials when traveling to Thailand.

E-Visa Restrictions

Certain countries are not eligible to apply for an E-Visa because additional documents are needed for approval. The following countries need to contact their local Thai Embassy or Consulate to apply for a Tourist Visa:

Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the People’s Republic of China, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Guinea, India, Iraq, Iran, North Korea, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestine, Sao Tome, and Principe, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen

If you are unsure if eligible for an online visa or do not have access to the online application process, you can contact your local Thai Embassy and organize an appointment. Immigration requirements can change without notice, and many embassies will not allow walk-ins, so it is best to contact the embassy when you are ready to apply. They will confirm the costs and paperwork required.

As noted above, Tourist Visas are for tourism, leisure, or medical purposes only. Foreigners cannot earn income, study long-term, or conduct volunteer activities in Thailand if they have entered with a tourist visa.

If you wish to take part in any of the above activities, you will need to look at long-term visa options. You can contact your local Thai embassy to discuss options or seek assistance from a Visa Agent to apply for a long-term visa.

Assistance with Visa Applications

The process for applying is straightforward and can be done yourself. If you would like help confirming documents and lodging the application, you can enlist the services of a Visa Assistance Agent.

Using an agent when applying for an e-visa is possible. The agent can confirm your details before applying and often apply on your behalf. When using an agent’s service, you may still be required to log into your account and process the payment yourself through the e-visa payment portal.

These agents are aware of current immigration requirements and will confirm documents are correct to avoid delays. They will liaise with embassies and consulates on your behalf.

Agents will charge a fee for their service but often save you time and money in the long run. They streamline your application process and speed up your approval.

Arriving in Thailand

When you arrive in Thailand, it is best to have a hard copy of your documents. You will need to provide the following documents at Passport Control:

• Confirmation letter of visa approval
• Confirmed exit flight from the country no later than 60 days
• Confirmed accommodation (at least for the first night in the country)
• Current financial or bank statement showing funds available. The amount depends on your type of visa

Entry approval is at the discretion of immigration officers and presenting hard copies of these documents will speed your processing through Passport Control and help ease congestion at the airport.

Extending your Tourist Visa

If you decide you would like to stay for longer than 60 days, it is possible to extend your stay in Thailand. Visitors with a Multi-Entry Tourist visa can extend their time in the country by 30 days by visiting a local Thai Immigration Office. An extension of stay will cost 1900 Thai Baht and must be paid in cash (Thai Baht) when applying for the extension. 

When you extend your stay, a new stamp will be placed in your passport for 30 days from the date you are at immigration, so it is best to do this towards the end of your 60-day visit.

You need to visit the office before your current stay period expires. Staying in the country past your exit date will cause an “overstay” and you will be fined 500 baht per day after your official exit date. An overstay is noted in your passport and can affect future visa applications. This extension of stay is only available in the country.

It is important to note that Thai Immigration offices are not open on weekends.

Explore Long-Term Visa Options for Thailand

Thailand also presents a variety of long-term visa options tailored to diverse needs:

Marriage Visa:

• Ideal for individuals married to Thai nationals.
• Allows spouses to reside in Thailand for extended periods, fostering family reunification and shared life experiences in the Kingdom.

Retirement Visa:

• Designed for individuals aged 50 years or older.
• Offers retirees the opportunity to enjoy prolonged stays in Thailand, with access to a plethora of amenities and benefits conducive to a fulfilling retirement lifestyle.

LTR Visa Thailand:

• Tailored for specific categories aimed at promoting overseas investment and economic development.
• Grants holders the right to reside and work in Thailand for up to 10 years, accompanied by benefits such as healthcare access, educational opportunities, and the ability to establish a local bank account. This visa is an appealing choice for those looking to establish firm roots in Thailand. 

Thailand Elite Visa:

• Designed for high net-worth individuals seeking privileged residency in Thailand.
• Offers visa validity ranging from 5 to 20 years, providing uninterrupted stays without the need for exit every 90 days.
• Thailand Elite Visa holders benefit from expedited immigration procedures and have the option to utilize privilege points for representation during the 90-day reporting process, ensuring a seamless residency experience in Thailand.

These long-term visa options cater to various lifestyles and objectives, providing individuals with the flexibility and convenience they need to thrive in Thailand.

If you would like to speak with our Thai Immigration Specialist at Siam Legal, you can contact us through LINE and WhatsApp. We can arrange a phone, video, or in-person consultation with you.

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18 Comments

I am Canadian and my wife is Russian, we going to Thailand for vacation up to 3 weeks so we need visas? Thank you

Hello, Laurent.

Both you and your wife qualify for the visa exemption scheme which will allow you both to stay in Thailand for a total of 30 days, starting from the day you arrive.

Hello I am a Bangladeshi Passport holder residing in Australia and currently employed in Australia.

If I wanted to apply for an e visa from Australia would it be possible?

Hello, Kawser.

Unfortunately, there has been no news of there being e-visa services for applying to Thailand from Australia at the moment.

Hi. I am from Ukraine, but I live in Spain. I plan to visit Thailand for tourist purposes and stay there for 5 weeks. Do I need a visa for it?

Hello, Catherine.

You will need a Tourist Visa if you intend to visit Thailand for longer than 30 days.

Hello, we have a trip to Thailand coming up on 30/03/2024 to 12/04/2024, my question is, we are a family living in UK. Me, my wife and one of the children have Bulgarian passports and our one child has a British passport. Does everyone have to get a visa? Thanks

Hello, Yordan.

You, you wife, and one of your children will need to get a Tourist Visa to come to Thailand, but your one child who is carrying a UK passport will not need a visa, as they can enter Thailand through the Visa Exemption Scheme.

Dear sir, I am from Pakistan. i want to visit thailand. E-visa available for pakistan nationality ?

Hello, Muhammad Ishfaq.

As of this moment, the E-Visa system is not available to citizens of Pakistan. You will need to apply in person at the nearest Thai Embassy or Consulate.

Respect sir, I’m mr.mahipalsingh Rajpurohit from india, last time I went to Thailand, that was lovely experience. This year again I’m planning to visit Thailand. Can I stay upto 60 days? By indian passport holder on VOA.

Hello, Mahipalsingh Rajpurohit.

You cannot stay in Thailand for 60 days with a Visa on Arrival. To stay in Thailand for 60 days, you should apply for a Tourist Visa.

Hi, I am from the Bahamas Can i apply online for a tourist visa? best regards, Roylston

Hello, Roylston Mckenzie.

As of this moment, the Thai E-Visa system is not available to citizens of the Bahamas.

Dear respected Sir/Madam I am Associated Professor Abdulkareem Sh. Mahdi Al-Obaidi, an iraqi nationality. I am currently working at Taylor’s University in Malaysia and have valid contract. Long time I love to go and visit your wonderful country but Covid-19 came and delay my plan. Now. I think I can visit Thailand and my dream comes true. Can you kindly guide me what should I do to apply for a single entry tourist visa? Thank you Abdulkareem

Dear Abdulkareem,

The e-visa application is not available in Malaysia. In order for you to apply for a Thai tourist visa, you need to apply in person. You may call the Thai Embassy in KL for more information. Thank you.

Hi I have read that you do not need a visa now if you stay under 45 days till March 2023 is this correct am visiting from Australia from 4/12 till 7/1/2023 Regards Neil

Yes, that is correct. Australian passport holder will be given 45 days permit to stay when you arrive in Thailand for tourism purpose. Thank you.

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Thailand Updates Visa Rule For Indians: 5 Iconic Destinations To Explore Other Than Bangkok

Published By : Shreeja Bhattacharya

Trending Desk

Last Updated: May 11, 2024, 07:10 IST

New Delhi, India

Chiang Mai, the capital of Northern Thailand, is renowned for its ancient temples, bustling markets, and delicious cuisine. (Image: Shutterstock)

 Thailand has recently grabbed attention by extending its visa exemption program for visitors from India until November 11, 2024.

Thailand, one of the most popular tourist destinations among Indians, has recently made headlines by extending its visa exemption program for visitors from India. According to a report in Bloomberg, this extension allows Indian tourists to explore Thailand without the need for a visa until November 11, 2024. Removing visa requirements for Indian travellers aims to draw more visitors and boost economic growth through increased tourism.

With this positive development, Indians can now explore Thailand with greater ease and enjoyment. While Bangkok is a popular destination, Thailand offers a variety of splendid experiences beyond its bustling capital. Here are just a few to consider:

• Ayutthaya For history enthusiasts, this destination is an absolute gem, boasting numerous ancient sites adorned with headless Buddha statues and crumbling temples. Exploring the temples and structures here provides an opportunity for a fascinating journey through Thailand’s rich history, offering glimpses into the kingdom’s storied past.
• Chiang Mai Chiang Mai, the capital of Northern Thailand, is renowned for its ancient temples, bustling markets, and delicious cuisine. Beyond exploring the streets, visitors can enjoy traditional Thai dishes like Khao Soi and Sai Oua. Outdoor enthusiasts can trek through lush landscapes or experience elephant encounters. Don’t miss the iconic Doi Inthanon National Park with its breathtaking scenery and temples. Chiang Mai offers a perfect blend of culture and adventure for an unforgettable experience.
• Petchaburi For a taste of adventure, head to Petchaburi in central Thailand. Explore the Khao Luang Cave Temple, situated within a cave guarded by monkeys, where ancient wonders await. Surrounding the temple, lush jungles invite exploration, offering hiking trails and camping opportunities in the Kaeng Krachan National Park. Petchaburi promises an adventure-packed escape into nature’s embrace.
• Koh Samet Just a short distance from Bangkok lies Koh Samet, a tranquil paradise with white sands and clear waters. Whether you seek relaxation or adventure, this island offers it all. Dive into the turquoise sea or unwind on the beach with a drink. As the sun sets, enjoy fresh seafood or join the lively atmosphere at beach bars. Getting there is easy – just head to the ferry pier. For a quick escape from Bangkok, Koh Samet is the perfect destination.
• Kanchanaburi Close to Bangkok lies a historical village blending history and beauty. Home to WWII (World War 2) sites like the Death Railway and Bridge, it’s also surrounded by parks, waterfalls, and caves. Visit the JEATH War Museum to honour POWs (prisoners of war) who built the bridge.

Visa waiver extended for Indians, Taiwanese

Cabinet says 30-day visa-free stays will remain in effect until Nov 11

PUBLISHED : 7 May 2024 at 16:44

WRITER: Bloomberg News

The cabinet has approved a plan to extend visa exemptions for tourists from India and Taiwan for six more months, as the country seeks to boost the number of foreign arrivals to shore up the sluggish economy.

Tourists from India and Taiwan will be able to enter Thailand without a visa until Nov 11 after an existing waiver ends on Friday, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin told reporters after a cabinet meeting on Tuesday. Travellers can stay for a maximum of 30 days at a time under the rules.

The temporary extension follows the success of the initial waiver in November last year. Indian and Taiwanese tourists are normally eligible to stay in Thailand for 15 days under a visa-on-arrival scheme.

The country has been relaxing visa rules for travellers from some of its main markets including China and Russia . In the first four months of 2024, Thailand welcomed more than 12 million foreign tourists, representing a 39% increase from the same period last year, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.

The largest groups of visitors — those from China, Malaysia, Russia, South Korea and India — accounted for half of the total arrivals this year.

Tourism is one of the country's key industries accounting for about 20% of total jobs and making up about 12% of the 18-trillion-baht economy. The Srettha administration has set a goal of attracting 80 million tourists a year by 2027 — double the pre-pandemic record set in 2019.

• Visa exemption
• Visa waiver

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